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

Short Answer Questions

1. When Dillard discovers so much violence and horror in the natural world, how does she feel?

2. What did a Russian botanist discover about locusts?

3. In Chapter 14, Dillard quotes a fifth century Egyptian mystic as saying what?

4. What is necessary in order for the the gooseneck barnacle to reproduce?

5. What does the author see as somewhat synonymous with the creator, or God?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In chapter fourteen, Dillard wants to go "northing," as a means to pare down to the essence. She will not go "northing" this year, but she will wait where she is and welcome the North wind as it scours the land around her. What do you think she means by wanting to go "northing?" Discuss both the physical aspect and the mystical or spiritual aspect of this term as Dillard uses it.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay about praying mantis. Include Dillard's observations, her knowledge from other sources, her reactions and feeling towards praying mantis and any beliefs she may have formed because of her thoughts on this insect.

Essay Topic 3

Dillard often uses stories from the Eskimo culture to help her pull meaning from her observations. Discuss two of the stories Dillard has told from the Eskimo culture and their relevance to some knowledge she was trying to work through.

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