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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. When Claire shows up again at the Nurturing Center, what reason is she given for being turned away?

2. When Jeanette mentions that everyone liked her father, she says he had been quiet, but what?

3. For what purpose does the male Nurturer find out the name of Claire's infant son?

4. When Claire sees the male Nurturer on his bicycle, what does she see that gives her hope regarding his continued involvement with her son?

5. For what reason does Claire decide not to try to take her son out of the Nurturing Center during her second visit?

Short Essay Questions

1. When Claire declares that she hates her life, what aspects of her life does she say she despises?

2. How does Claire feel about her work at the Fish Hatchery?

3. What reason does the narrator give for all of the Fish Hatchery workers being fond of the director, Dimitri?

4. How does Claire feel about the river that borders the community?

5. For what reason are the Nurturers considering keeping Claire's son at the center for another year before assigning him to a parental unit?

6. What does Claire realize during breakfast one day when she sees the other Fish Hatchery workers cleaning up their tables and getting ready to begin work?

7. How is the event of Claire's first encounter with her son portrayed by the author?

8. Upon finally seeing Marie on the boat, what questions arise in Claire's mind?

9. From what building does Claire avert her eyes on her walk from the Birthmother Dormitory to the Fish Hatchery, and why?

10. How do the Nurturers respond to Claire's query asking if it would be alright if she visited the Nurturing Center again?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Analyze the interplay between the climax of the novel Son and its denouement. How does Lois Lowry employ each plot stage and how does their juxtaposition help her get across the intended messages in her novel?

Essay Topic 2

Trace the characterization arc of Claire's character throughout the novel.

Essay Topic 3

Few characters within the novel have particularly strong relationships with members of their biological families and by omitting key relationships with inherent biological ties, the author can redefine the notion of family within the narrative. Choose three relationships within the novel that demonstrate familial bonds, describe the circumstances surrounding these bonds, and discuss how these relationships fuel the author's message about the definition of family.

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