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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. What event causes Tom to cry while talking to Lila?

2. Why is Sallie unable to answer Tom over the phone?

3. What is the name of the poem Savannah reads at Luke's funeral?

4. Why does Lila insist that Tom remain silent about the past?

5. What position does Tom play at South Carolina University?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Tom admit is even worse than the story of his family's attack?

2. Why is Tom shy in the locker room at South Carolina University?

3. What does Tom recognize as he has dinner with his mother?

4. What might the appearance of Snow symbolize?

5. How does Tom ironically avenge Herbert's rude behavior?

6. What does Tom suspect about Amos' Good Friday walk?

7. What is happening to the relationship between Susan and Tom during Chapter Fifteen?

8. Why does Tom find the map on Reese Newbury's wall disconcerting?

9. What are the ramifications of the divorce proceedings?

10. Why does Tom decide to tell Dr. Lowenstein about the fateful day on the island?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In the final image of the novel, we see the Wingo family (minus Luke) reunited on a shrimping boat, much as they were in the novel's opening. Do you think the Wingo family has overcome its traumatic past and finally begun to heal?

Write a persuasive essay that develops your point of view on this topic. Be sure to use specific and sound reasoning from the text to support your position.

Essay Topic 2

Trace the use and significance of religion in the novel. Write a thematic essay in which you develop the author's attitude or reason for using religion in his story. Be sure to discuss at least two specific moments when religion plays an explicit part in the novel to develop your thesis.

Essay Topic 3

A major idea in the novel is the concept of transformation. In fact, many of the characters in the novel undergo a transformation or reinvention throughout the course of the novel.

Choose ONE of the following characters and explore the details and significance of his or her transformation. Be sure to include specific and relevant evidence from the text as you develop your response.

A.) Tom.

B.) Savannah.

C.) Luke.

D.) Henry.

E.) Lila.

F.) Susan.

G.) Bernard.

(see the answer keys)

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