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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. Elsie says Schuyler is happy because ______________________.

2. What does Dick think will be the end of his bad mood?

3. Where is Dick headed as Chapter 32 opens?

4. May tells Dick that _____________ has a crush on a woman.

5. Which of the following does Elsie NOT tell Dick?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Dick's state of mind trying to balance May and Elsie in his life.

2. What is May's response to Dick when he tells her about his affair with Elsie?

3. How does Elsie's refusal to have sex again with Dick signal an attempt to help him break a destructive pattern?

4. Describe the climax of the story as Dick's new boat is christened and launched.

5. Explain how the hurricane has changed Dick and his feelings about his misplaced priorities.

6. Why does Dick continue to feel instability on land, especially after discovering Marie having sex with Parker?

7. How does Dick feel himself becoming more like the people he used to hate?

8. What mood does the author establish with the brevity of Chapter 47?

9. What happens in Chapter 44 that exacerbates Dick's gloomy feelings when he is on shore?

10. How does Schuyler's documentary put Dick in an unfavorable light?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The author uses several instances of flashbacks in the story. Explain what a flashback is and cite at least two making sure to explain what makes each a flashback?

Essay Topic 2

Explain the significance of the book's title. What did the author mean by calling the novel SPARTINA? Cite an example to support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

Create a brief character study of May. What does she look like? What are her positive personality traits? What are some of her negative characteristics? What are her hopes and fears? What motivates her--if anything--at this point in her life?

(see the answer keys)

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