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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. How long has Stutz worked for Alec?

2. In Chapter 3, how long has Alec owned Collier's Auto?

3. In Chapter 9, how many years has Alec tried to get his tenant, Marker to seed a pasture to flax?

4. How old is Vera?

5. What color is the hatband on Alec's hat in Chapter 3?

Short Essay Questions

1. What caused Vera to hate her father?

2. What does Alec remember doing in his dream in Chapter 1?

3. What does the young man on the bus offer Vera, and how does Daniel interrupt?

4. When and where did Bob the housepainter propose to Vera, and how did he respond?

5. How does Vera meet Stanley?

6. What arrangements are made for Vera and her son?

7. What is the only change Alec has made to his house since Vera left, and why is it pink?

8. Who cleans up for Alec and why?

9. What did Vera do when she and some of her army companions went to visit New York City?

10. Why does Daniel think that he will not make friends in Connaught?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Flashbacks are a literary device used to provide information about events that took place before the story began. How does the author use flashbacks in the novel? How does the author’s choice to use flashbacks affect the plot?

Essay Topic 2

Vera decides to reopen the café. How does Vera struggle to make a living at first? How does her café become successful? Is her success due to her hard work, luck, or a combination of both?

Essay Topic 3

Analogies are used to compare an unfamiliar object or idea to a familiar one in an attempt to explain the unfamiliar. How does the author use analogies in the book? How do analogies help readers understand unfamiliar ideas or understand events or characters?

(see the answer keys)

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