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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 many years older than Mary is Anton Rosicky?

2. The Rosickys' kitchen was full of the smell of what?

3. What is the name of Rosicky's oldest son's wife?

4. How many years does Dr. Burleigh think Rosicky's heart is good for?

5. How old was Rosicky when he went to Omaha?

Short Essay Questions

1. What kind of work does the doctor limit Rosicky to?

2. When Doctor Burleigh tells Rosicky that he has a bad heart, what is Rosicky's excuse for feeling short of breath?

3. Why did the winter turn out badly for the farmers?

4. Why did Polly marry Rudolph and how did they know each other?

5. Why is it bothersome to Rosicky to tell a story to the family?

6. What does Rosicky do when he leaves Doctor Burleigh's office?

7. What is the biggest difference between Mary and Anton?

8. According to Rosicky, what is the problem with big cities?

9. Describe Polly's appearance when Rosicky brings the car to her and Rudolph's house.

10. After Rudolph and Polly leave for town what does Rosicky do?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Willa Cather uses flashbacks often in her story, "Neighbor Rosicky". What benefit to the reader do the flashbacks provide? What connections to Rosicky did you feel after reading the flashback sections? Do you think Cather used the flashbacks too much, too little, or just right? Why? How would the story be different if there were no flashbacks provided?

Essay Topic 2

Throughout the story of "Neighbor Rosicky", there is an underlying theme of pride. Rosicky has great pride in his family, in his profession, and in his land. Why does Rosicky feel pride for his family? Why does he feel pride for his land? Why is Rosicky proud of the choice he made to come to the country and farm the land? Does Rosicky's pride seem boastful? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

In the story, "Neighbor Rosicky", Anton Rosicky is considered to be a city boy whereas Mary Rosicky is described as a country girl. Compare and contrast these two characters. Do they make a good couple? How do their personalities differ and is this beneficial to their relationship? Why or why not? How is Anton strong for Mary? How is Mary strong for Anton? Would you consider their relationship equal? Why or why not?

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