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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. Which of the Shimerda children is considered most important by his parents?

2. Who does Jim's grandfather believe killed Mr. Shimerda?

3. What nickname is Antonia given?

4. Who performs Mr. Shimerda's funeral service?

5. What does Mr. Shimerda promise to give Jim when he is older?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Blind d'Arnault and his journey to become a pianist

2. Describe the relationship between the Shimerdas and Krajiek

3. What confession does Pavel make to Mr. Shimerda on his death bed?

4. Describe the Harlings.

5. Describe Jim's encounter with the rattlesnake as he and Antonia return from Russian Peter's

6. What is significant about January 22 in this novel?

7. How do the Shimerdas react when the Burdens bring them supplies during the cold winter?

8. Describe the Shimerda family (as they are introduced in Chapter 3)

9. Why do Jake and Ambrosch come to blows in Chapter 18?

10. Retell the story Antonia shares with Jim and the Harlings about the tramp and the thresher

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

One of the topics My Antonia explores is the role and impact of community on the individual. Discuss what the novel has to say about this topic. Cite several specific examples from the novel to support your ideas.

Essay Topic 2

There are several characters who influence the person that the narrator becomes. Select the two characters who you believe have the greatest impact on his development and:

1) describe each character's actions or beliefs as they relate to Jim

2) discuss the impact of this character on Jim's life and personality

3) discuss why you selected each particular character. What about each character made him/her more of an influence on Jim than others?

Cite several specific examples from the novel to support your ideas.

Essay Topic 3

The influence of men on Antonia's development is a recurring topic in My Antonia. Select two of the following men and discuss the relationship between him and Antonia. Focus your discussion on the ways the the man does or does not influence her development in a positive way. Cite several specific examples from the novel to support your ideas.

1) Jim

2) Ambrosch

3) Mr. Shimerda

4) Larry Donovan

(see the answer keys)

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