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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. After Susan expresses her desire for Tom at the end of Chapter Fifteen, how does the evening end for these two characters?

2. Who is the only friend to care for Isabel on her deathbed?

3. To teach the boy respect, what does Tom make Bernard do?

4. How does Luke rescue his family from the attack?

5. Where does Luke go after the war?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the symbolism of Luke's solitary war with the government?

2. What might the appearance of Snow symbolize?

3. What plans do the Wingo children have after graduation?

4. What is significant about the new black student's ability to beat Tom in a race?

5. How does the town react to "The Amberjack's" presence?

6. Why is Tom jealous of Savannah in Chapter 18?

7. Why does Susan insist that Savannah wants to become the persona called Renata?

8. What does Tom realize after reading the first page of Renata's book?

9. Why does Tom agree to help find Luke?

10. What admission does Susan make that startles Tom over dinner?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

While the novel contains Tom's narrative of his family history, the title of the novel is based on a poem written by Savannah. Discuss the significance of the novel's title. Who is the Prince of Tides? Support your answer with specific examples and reasoning from the text.

Essay Topic 2

Located off the coast of South Carolina, Melrose Island is the backdrop for much of Tom's story. Discuss the significance of this primary setting in the novel. What importance does it hold for the various characters in the novel? What larger ideas does Melrose Island represent? Be sure to develop your response with explicit and implicit evidence from the text.

Essay Topic 3

In the Epilogue of the novel, Tom is seen to repeat the name "Lowenstein." Similarly, Savannah was heard to repeat words and phrases during her time of extreme mental suffering. Do you think Tom Wingo has found the happiness and fulfillment that he seemed to be lacking in the opening of the novel? Or has he merely sacrificed his own peace and joy for the sake of family?

Write a persuasive essay in which you share your ideas on this subject. Be sure to justify your assertions with specific and relevant evidence from the text.

(see the answer keys)

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