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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. Emma Lou and Donald...

2. Jerome's house seems ...

3. For entertainment, Emma Lou...

4. Jerome prepares for the party by...

5. The Eppys have brought with them to Jerome's house...

Short Essay Questions

1. Poor Jerome is discouraged. How do we know this?

2. What does Emma suspect has become of Monarch? Why?

3. Why has Donald come to visit Jerome?

4. What new thing does the reader learn about Jerome Kildee in this chapter?

5. Why are Jerome Kildee's nerves frayed at this time? There is more than one reason.

6. Emma Lou's life is busier than today's students'. Describe her day and compare it to your own.

7. What does Jerome seem to realize after Donald's appearance in this chapter? Why does he invited him for dinner?

8. Why does Jerome decide to give Emma money for Christmas, rather than a gift?

9. Discuss Jerome's scheme. Was he taking a risk? Why, or why not?

10. Discuss Emma Lou's response to the discovery that Donald has been visiting Jerome. How is Jerome affected?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explore the first real turning point in the story that bonds Kildee and Emma Lou, and drives an even more severe wedge between Emma Lou and Donald Cabot. What is the real source of Emma's and Jerome's grief? Why do they become so upset to lose one of the raccoons, when they have so many to enjoy? What qualities have they assigned to Charmine? Why do they not grieve, for example, the death of the pack rats who are killed by skunks?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the use of symbolism in terms of the structure of the small Kildee house. Several aspects of the house provide clues into Jerome's life and the path he is destined to take. Consider Jerome's fireplace, window, back wall and kitchen. What might each of these represent?

Essay Topic 3

The two children in the story, Emma Lou Eppy and Donald Roger Cabot, are sworn enemies who deliberately think of ways to hurt one another. Is this an example of normal adolescent flirtation, or is there something more that separates the two children? What makes them so different from one another? Is there an underlying cause, besides a difference of opinion about hunting?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,050 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample