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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. What does Alexander Kirkpatrick's wife wish she had done before she was sentenced to jail?

2. Catesby writes a letter to his wife in Part III, Chapter 32. What does he tell her has happened to Duncan?

3. What does Alexander tell Samuel Gatewood's son he claimed so he could be assigned to his regiment?

4. How many months after Uther Botkin's wife gives birth does she die?

5. What is the name of Uther Botkin's daughter?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens at the military institute, where Duncan is present to hear a speech, which causes a fight?

2. What happens to Duncan Gatewood when the storm, Cox's Snow, hits?

3. How is Alexander assigned to Duncan's regiment?

4. What incident does Miss Marguerite begin with when telling her story to the young woman in Part I, Chapter 1?

5. What happens to Duncan during the big battle at McDowell?

6. What does Ellam Omohundru do with Maggie in Part I, Chapter 10?

7. How does Opal help Uther Botkin with his daughter and his farm?

8. What happens to Uther Botkin's wife, Martha?

9. What happens to Duncan's horse, Gypsy, during the battle in Chancellorsville?

10. While attending church, what does Opal beg Jack to do for her?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The book, "Jacob's Ladder: A Story of Virginia During the War", is set during the Civil War in the South. Several of the main characters are slaves, some characters are slave owners, and a few are even against slavery. Research and examine slavery before and during the Civil War. Where was slavery dominant in America? How were slaves treated? Was slavery the reason for the Civil War? How did slavery end? Did those for slavery accept the end of slavery right away?

Essay Topic 2

Most of the characters in "Jacob's Ladder" have no idea what the war will do to their lives. Examine how the characters' first ideas of the war differ from the actual realities of the war. How do Duncan's fantasies really have nothing in common with the realities of war? How can someone's fantasy of something almost make the reality harder to bear? Is Alexander having a harder time dealing with his reality because of his preconceived notions of war?

Essay Topic 3

"Jacob's Ladder" is historical fiction which is a story that is set in the past. "Jacob's Ladder" is set in the Civil War in Virginia, and therefore, it is considered historical fiction. Examine the different historical references throughout "Jacob's Ladder". What makes "Jacob's Ladder" historical fiction? Does the author make a point of centering his story on actual events that happened during the Civil War? Does he use real places and dates? Does it make his story more believable? How does it enhance the story?

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