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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 does Betsy signal to Tim that Sam has returned?

2. What does Tim try hard not to think about?

3. Mr. Meeker's name is Eliphalet but he is called _____________.

4. What kind of fish do Tim and Jerry catch?

5. What does Betsy ask Tim one day?

Short Essay Questions

1. Explain Tim's internal conflicts about Sam's disobedience.

2. What are the arguments and sides that people are taking regarding England?

3. What is the nature of the conversation between Tim and Ezekiel?

4. How is the author showing how Tim is more like Sam than he might want to think?

5. What are two situations that foreshadow upcoming events?

6. How does the author show the close bond between Tim and Sam even during this time of conflict?

7. Explain Tim's mixed feelings about the trip to Verplancks Point.

8. In addition to uncertainty, how is powerlessness an important element in what the people of Redding are experiencing?

9. What is the religious split in Redding?

10. How do Father and Tim interact now that Sam is gone?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write a character description of Tim Meeker. What are his motivations and convictions? What are his character flaws? In what ways is he heroic?

Essay Topic 2

For much of the novel, Tim is torn between his loyalty to the family and his loyalty to his brother, Sam. Describe the turning point when Tim realizes on which side his loyalties lie.

Essay Topic 3

Describe the maturity that Tim shows during Sam's last few days and then the execution. What does he do to show that he is truly a man now both physically and emotionally?

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This section contains 983 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample