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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. Who is George Kracha?

2. Who meets George and Elena at the train in Homestead?

3. Who is talking with George in Dorta's kitchen about leaving the steel mills?

4. Who visits George right after he is released from jail?

5. How long has Dobrejcak been in America?

Short Essay Questions

1. In the summer following his marriage to Zuska, what happens to George financially? How does George react to his financial situation? How does George's reaction affect his relationship with Zuska?

2. After reaching New York, how does George manage to travel to Pennsylvania without any money?

3. What major corporation is formed when Carnegie sells his steel plants to J.P. Morgan? Is this corporation "union friendly"?

4. At first, how successful is George in the butcher shop? What positive changes in George and Elena's lifestyle have come about as a result of his business?

5. According to George and Dorta's conversation in Part 1, Chapter 22, what role does Zuska directly play in the loss of George's business? At the time, is George aware of Zuska's actions? What is a possible reason for George not confronting Zuska?

6. What is George Kracha hoping to leave behind when he leaves Hungary for America in 1881?

7. How is Elena's funeral contradictory to her lifestyle? Explain why George might have chosen an elaborate funeral for Elena.

8. Who does George tell about Zuska? What is one explanation for his sharing with another person information about Zuska?

9. What business is George considering buying? What are his plans for the shop? Is his business plan logical? What could be a possible obstacle to George being successful?

10. Why does George feel vindicated for not becoming an American citizen so that he can vote? What does George tell Mike about who runs America?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss how Dorta's realistic approach to life helps her weather life's economic and emotional storms. Give details from at least three events from the story for support.

Essay Topic 2

After Mike's death, Mary is left with four small children. Explore decisions which Mary must make to survive with her children. Does Mary make good decisions? Give details for support.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the metaphor between the book's title and the steel mill.

(see the answer keys)

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