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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. Why does the coyote like Nannie's orchard?

2. What is the main question that Deanna keeps asking herself?

3. What is the reason that Lusa gives Crys for keeping the farm, in Chapter 21?

4. How does Garnett refer to Lusa?

5. What is Deanna afraid of, in Chapter 29?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Chapter 17, what remark does Nannie make that causes Garnett to wonder if he may have been responsible for his wife's death?

2. Why does Garnett not like the pickers that come each fall to help with the harvest?

3. In Chapter 30, Lusa starts to think of Cole in a different manner. What is this?

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

5. How does Garnett embarrass himself in Chapter 28?

6. What does Hannie-Mavis tell Lusa is the real reason that Cole's family does not seem to embrace her?

7. Why does Deanna think that falling trees will never crush her cabin?

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

9. In Chapter 24, what reason does Lusa give Jewel for using every bit of produce from her garden?

10. 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?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

In "Prodigal Summer", we read of the departures of various people. Choose one of the following people: the father of Jewel's children, Cole, Eddie. Discuss the effects that their departure has had on others. What are the short-term and long-term effects? What might have been different, had they stayed? Are others better off for them having left?

Essay Topic 3

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?

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