View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. As a child, Lucy had a collection of _______________.

2. How long does it take Will to return home from Appomattox?

3. What happened to Ned on the hunting trip?

4. Where does Will take Ned?

5. Who is Lucy's best friend as a child?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the story of the woman at the train station which makes Lucy change her mind about leaving her family?

2. What was the fate of Cassie and her parents?

3. What prevents Lucy from leaving with the children?

4. How do Lucy's children feel about Cassie in their lives?

5. Describe Will's journey home after the end of the war.

6. What are the circumstances in which Maimie is terminated by Angus McCloud?

7. How does Lieutenant Prothero behave inappropriately toward Unison Randolph?

8. Why would Unison have behaved so mournfully at Prothero's funeral, especially when she did not care for him?

9. Describe Lucy and Will's separation after Ned's accident.

10. How does the author use foreshadowing regarding Ned in this section?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The theme of the passage of time will be an important one in the novel. How does the author begin to build this theme? Give examples of the passage of time throughout the book.

Essay Topic 2

OLDEST LIVING CONFEDERATE WIDOW TELLS ALL is a classic historical fiction story. What does that classification entail? Why does this story fit into this category?

Essay Topic 3

Gurganus is a master at dramatic devices. Choose an example of symbolism, metaphors, and irony. Briefly describe them and identify the technique which they embody.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,019 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample