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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. How tall are the lilacs in Lusa's yard?

2. In their childhood, Deanna and Rachel played in what?

3. What does Nannie call the greatest invention of life?

4. What does Crys said that Lois calls Lusa?

5. In Chapter 19, what does Deanna say that she is going to do or "die trying"?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Chapter 18, Lusa spends quality time with Crys. What are some things that she finds out about her?

2. What secret does Lusa tell Crys, in Chapter 21?

3. Why is the first cold day a day that Deanna will never forget?

4. What does the snake, leaving the cabin, symbolize for Deanna, in Chapter 22?

5. What do Nannie and Garnett call each other, at the end of Chapter 28?

6. Why is Deanna anxious about Eddie reading her thesis?

7. How does Lusa respond to Little Rickie's invitation to have sex?

8. Nannie is upset because the church fumigated for bees and now honey is oozing out of the walls. What does she think they should have done instead?

9. In Chapter 27, what does Lusa find out about the father of Jewel's children?

10. In Chapter 30, Lusa is finally beginning to feel like what?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Lusa has very strong convictions about planting tobacco. Her brothers-in-law, however, feel that it is the only viable crop to plant. Cite examples from the book that explain their reasoning. What is the topography of the land like? How does this affect what crops will grow? What facts do they present to her, regarding growing corn? Is she simply being idealistic, rather than practical? In the end, what decision does Lusa come to?

Essay Topic 2

Nannie and Garnett have very different opinions on the aging process and this causes conflict in their relationship. Explain both of their views on this subject. Why do they feel this way? Does their view of this affect their every-day life? Do you think either view is better or more appropriate? Do you think either view would lead to a happier life?

Essay Topic 3

Jewel states, "I have a girl that acts like a boy and a boy that acts like a girl". Cite specific examples from the book that prompt her to make this statement. Do you agree with her statement? Is their behavior that different from "traditional" gender behavior? Does this cause problems for them?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 750 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample