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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. In what cities outside Pennsylvania are stories run on the front page regarding the flood?

2. How many refugees are trapped in the Swan house in Chapter 5?

3. What does Pitcairn say he fears among survivors, which prompts him to call for a public meeting to send supplies to survivors in Chapter 6?

4. How many men does Hart deputize for relief efforts?

5. What is the last name of the one male reporter to die of pneumonia?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the donations made to Johnstown from other cities.

2. How is the use of dynamite described in Chapter 8?

3. How is Horace Rose's experience in the flood described near the end of Chapter 5?

4. How is the Quinn family described in Chapter 5?

5. How is Victor Heiser described when the wave reaches his family's property?

6. What are the three destructive thrusts made by the wave as described in Chapter 5?

7. How is Henry S. Brown's journey to Johnstown described?

8. What reasons does the author suggest for Pitcairn joining the South Fork Hunting and Fishing Club?

9. How are Clara Barton's relief efforts described?

10. Describe the city's reasons for needing quick disinfection in Chapter 8.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the role of time period in the book. In what way is the time period to blame for the flood? What might have been different for the town had the flood occurred in a modern time period?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the author's portrayal of social class in Johnstown. What role did the wealthy play in the town? What about the poor?

Essay Topic 3

Examine the role of religion during the crisis. What role did religion play in the lives of the townsfolk of Johnstown? What might have been the author's purpose in including religious discussion in the text?

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