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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 a woman whose husband died in the war comes to the hospital in Chapter 9, Homer passes the nurse a note to give to the woman that tells her to go where?

2. When Homer Wells receives his survey from the board, it is the same day what who arrives at the orchard in Chapter 7?

3. Dr. Larch writes a letter back after receiving a donation to the orphanage revealing what about Homer in Chapter 6?

4. A woman whose husband died in the war comes into the hospital for what in Chapter 9?

5. As the summer ends and Wally prepares to go back to college, Olive offers Homer an opportunity to stay where?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Dr. Larch relate to Melony in Chapter 6?

2. Who begins to press Dr. Larch toward retirement in Chapter 6?

3. How does Melony's relationship with Lorna parallel her relationship with Homer in Chapter 10?

4. What is foreshadowed by Wally's return in Chapter 10?

5. What is symbolized in the coming of spring in Chapter 9?

6. What does Mrs. Grogan see changing in Melony in Chapter 6? Why?

7. What is symbolic about the trees at the orchard in Chapter 8?

8. Why does Homer take offense to Dr. Larch's telling him he can have a normal life in Chapter 8?

9. What is foreshadowed by the bombing at Pearl Harbor in Chapter 8?

10. What leads to the sexual interaction between Grace and Homer in Chapter 7?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Analyze and discuss the theme of fatherhood in the novel. Who, aside from Dr. Larch, exhibits this theme? How does this theme apply to Homer and Dr. Larch? Are their father/son feelings mutual? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Analyze and discuss the characters of Wally and Candy in the narrative. How old are these characters? What are their backgrounds like? How old are they when they are introduced in the novel? How do the lives of Wally and Candy relate to the life of Homer in Chapter 4?

Essay Topic 3

Describe and discuss the laws against abortion in the U.S. during the 1920's and 30's. What risks did Dr. Larch face in performing illegal abortions? How dangerous were back-alley abortions at this time? What risks did the women who received abortions face?

(see the answer keys)

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