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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. Where do Otto and Jake go when the Burdens sell their farm?

2. What misfortune falls upon Pavel in Chapter 8?

3. How does Jim's grandfather mend relations between the Shimerdas and the Burdens?

4. Where does Antonia consider going to work when the Harlings forbid her to attend the dances?

5. Who helps Ambrosch and Marek treat the horse with colic?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why do the Shimerdas have difficulty getting Mr. Shimerda buried? Where is he ultimately interred?

2. Describe the relationship between the Shimerdas and Krajiek

3. Describe the Harlings.

4. Compare and contrast the town and city girls (from Jim's point of view).

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

6. Describe Peter and Pavel

7. How does Antonia predict the winter will affect her family differently than Jim's?

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

9. What reaction do the Harlings have to Antonia's interest in the dances in the tent?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In My Antonia a few minor characters have a major impact on the story line. Select one of the following minor characters to analyze: Wick Cutter, Otto Fuchs, Tiny Soderball, Ambrosch Shimerda. Discuss:

1) The personality (character traits) of this character

2) The relationship between this minor character and the major characters in the story

3) The impact of this character on the story line--How does s/he influence the overall story line? How would the story be different if this character was removed?

Essay Topic 2

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

Essay Topic 3

In the final book of the novel (Book 5) the author abruptly shifts the narrative forward 20 years. In your essay:

1) describe how the last chapter reads differently than the earlier chapters

2) explain why you think the author made this shift

3) react to her choice. Do you think this was the best way to end the novel? Why?

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

(see the answer keys)

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