View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. How old is Tannie Marina when Astrid dies?

2. How long after the funeral do the three siblings visit Scaly City?

3. How long has it been in "Pa," since Anton has spoken to his father?

4. Where does Jake want Anton to take him after Anton identifies Astrid's body?

5. How old is Fred Winkler?

Short Essay Questions

1. What has Anton been doing since he deserted the army?

2. Why does Marina insist that the coffin be opened when it is brought to the veld for the service?

3. What changes does Anton see as someone drives him to the hospital to see his father?

4. Why does Anton have to have a talk with his father's lawyer?

5. Why and how does Amor leave early after Astrid's funeral?

6. When does Manie die, and where are the family when he passes on?

7. What does Amor decide to do after their father is buried?

8. How does Astrid like to spend the hour or two after her shift ends?

9. What is Alwyn like when Anton goes to apologize?

10. Why does Father Batty not give Astrid absolution when she confesses shortly before her death?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In The Promise, some characters are more thoroughly described than others. Who are some characters that are merely named in passing or have a minor role in the novel? What is the importance of these flat characters to the storyline? In what way do these characters make the main characters more colorful or interesting? When there is conflict, what type of role do these flat characters play?

Essay Topic 2

What a reader knows about events and characters is determined by the point of view in a book. What is the point of view in The Promise? How does the point of view influence what readers know about events and characters? How does it help readers connect with and understand characters?

Essay Topic 3

Rachel dies after an extended illness. How does Rachel’s death affect family members and why?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 835 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample