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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 does Lusa wear to her husband's wake?

2. Where is Deanna sitting at the beginning of Chapter 4?

3. What does Garnett feel is part of growing old?

4. In Chapter 12, whom does Garnett write a letter to?

5. What does Garnett call his ancestors?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Deanna's demeanor, when Eddie leaves, after staying with her for nine days?

2. Describe Sam Hill as we meet him in Chapter 13.

3. Do you think the way the townspeople treat Lusa at Cole's wake is right?

4. According to Garnett's religious beliefs, when is it okay for an animal species to go extinct?

5. In Chapter 15, Lusa finds she is happier than she has been a long time. Explain this change.

6. What is Eddie like, at the beginning of the book and how does Deanna react to him?

7. How do you think Herb and Big Rickie handle the situation about putting in Lusa's crop?

8. Do you think it odd that Lusa dreams of a moth making love to her?

9. What does Garnett warn Lusa about, when she wants to place an ad for goats?

10. How does Deanna equate her husband with the typical "male animal"?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Lusa and Deanna share a love of nature. Unfortunately, they are in the minority and are often made to feel like outcasts, because of their beliefs. List three examples, from the book, which demonstrate this behavior by others. Is there a reason for their behavior? Does it resolve itself?

Essay Topic 2

In "Prodigal Summer", Nannie attempts to explain the "Volterra Principle" to Garnett. Explain, in depth, what this is. What does it have to do with pesticide use? Why, according to Nannie, is it being kept quiet and by whom?

Essay Topic 3

The Appalachian area is seen, by some, as being "hick" or "backward". Cite three examples from the book that would support this theory. Address regional dialect, stereotypes, and character names.

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