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. What is Jamie's mother's demeanor when she spends the afternoon with him?

2. What seasonal decoration does Jamie put out for Gran and Granda?

3. Which of the following does NOT describe Granda's behavior with Jamie?

4. Which author's poetry does Jamie read?

5. Who is Jamie surprised to see in church at Granda's funeral?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the opinion of Granda Hugh regarding the accusations from those who know him well?

2. What is Jamie's mother's condition when he meets her?

3. Why does the author reintroduce the elements of orderliness and tidiness regarding Jamie's life?

4. What does Gran say about the accusations lodged at Grandpa Hugh?

5. Describe Jamie's last personal encounter with Granda Hugh.

6. What is the nature of the drunken journalist's derogatory comments directed at Jamie?

7. How does Granda Hugh put up a front regarding his physical state and the work he knows he will never accomplish?

8. What does Jamie's meeting with his mother signify for him?

9. How is Jamie torn between the past and the present regarding Granda Hugh's reputation?

10. What do Jamie and Karen talk about when he calls her from a phone booth?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Create a character study of Robert. What are his physical characteristics? What are his motivations? What are his fears? What are his dreams? What else can you say about Robert?

Essay Topic 2

Compare and contrast Granda Hugh and Robert. Both men want influence over Jamie at different points but have their hold on him in very different ways.

Why are their differences classic examples of conflict in literature? What other similarities and dissimilarities are there between the two characters?

Essay Topic 3

Explain the role of married women in Scotland in the mid-20th century. Why was Alice not given the freedom to leave her abusive marriage? What precedents was she forced to follow? Explain why her lack of choice affected her marriage, life and child.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 982 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample