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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 is Anton Jelinek's connection with the Shimerda family?

2. Why does Lena Lingard's presence at the Harlings' home make Antonia uncomfortable?

3. What do the Shimerdas give the Burdens in exchange for the goods they bring during the winter?

4. What does Antonia say was found in the pocket of the tramp who died in the thresher?

5. What act does Jim perform that makes him a hero in Antonia's eyes?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What is a rattlesnake cane? What is its importance for the Burdens?

3. What does Mr. Shimerda do in the Burdens' home on Christmas that surprises them? Why are they surprised by his action?

4. Retell the story about Lena being responsible for Antonia's feelings about the girl.

5. Describe Jim's experiences when he is housebound due to illness

6. How does Mrs. Shimerda act when she and Antonia visit the Burdens after the thaw? How does Jim respond to her?

7. What change occurs in Black Hawk in the Spring? How does this affect the people living there?

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

9. What change in Jim's life occurs in the first chapter of Book 2? How does it affect him?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

My Antonia takes place over a time span of nearly 50 years. Discuss the impact of time on the plot and characters in the novel. Cite several specific examples from the novel to support your ideas.

Essay Topic 2

One of the themes My Antonia explores is friendship. Discuss what the novel has to say about this theme. Cite several specific examples from the novel to support your ideas.

Essay Topic 3

The role that the land plays in the lives of the characters in this novel is integral to its plot and themes. Pick two of the novel's characters and compare and contrast:

1) their relationship with the land

2) how the relationship develops

3) how they chose to demonstrate feelings about the land.

Be sure to use specific examples from the novel to support your ideas.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 900 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample