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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. According to everyone in town, where was Annie Grigsby born?

2. Why doesn't Uncle Charlie leave the house?

3. What skill does Russell envy in Frankie?

4. What does Russell's mother think is a major character flaw of his?

5. During her tenure at Arlington School in Loundoun County, what illegal operation is nearby?

Short Essay Questions

1. Since he is unable to talk with his ailing mother, what does Russell realize about the past?

2. What is the cause of Benny's death?

3. Who is Aunt Pat and why is Russell fond of her?

4. What remedy does Aunt Pat insist is good for the children, but they find disgusting?

5. What are Russell's memories of the women's work in Morrisonville?

6. To whom does Lucy "give up" Audrey?

7. Who finally bought Uncle Etch's glass coffin?

8. What does Uncle Edwin do for a living?

9. What did Lucy Elizabeth feel was her greatest failure with Benjamin?

10. Explain the family's long lost fortune.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Like everyone, Russell has insecurities about himself. How do his insecurities change over the years? Examine Russell as:

1) A small child.

2) A boy.

3) An adolescent.

4) A teenager.

5) A young man.

What are his biggest concerns at each age? How does he overcome his fears?

Essay Topic 2

Reexamine Chapter 9. How could the Dickens quote "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times" be applicable to the family's life? Be sure to think about:

1) Money

2) Home

3) Happiness

4) Work

Essay Topic 3

Examine Lucy's letters to and from Oluf. Though Russell did not discover these letters until later in life, they represent an important part of Lucy's history. Go through each letter provided in the text and make a chronicle of the relationship between Lucy and Oluf--what would such a relationship have meant to her? Why must the two break off the romance? Does young Russell notice anything amiss in their day to day life? Be sure to cite quotations from the text.

(see the answer keys)

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