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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. What is the name of the coal company which has negative intent for Homeplace?

2. Dillon tells Jackie about a job opening for a/an __________________ back home.

3. What does Dillon still resist telling Jackie?

4. The way that the vine grows up the tree is in the shape of ____________________.

5. What does Hassel pick up while at the Governor's Office?

Short Essay Questions

1. How will Jackie's profession allow her to shed light on the poverty and suffering of people in her hometown?

2. How does Dillon show his devotion to Rachel at her funeral?

3. What open job does Dillon tell Jackie about and what does he promise to do if she takes it?

4. Where does Jackie find Tom the morning after the dam burst and what does she tell him even though he is already dead?

5. What is Jackie's role in the miners' strike as a member of the press?

6. What miracle has Hassel seen?

7. How does Lech Walesa's broken promise to come to support the coal miners' strike symbolize a lack of support for the region?

8. What are the possible interpretations of Tom's telling Jackie that they are "not done" yet?

9. How does Tom's behavior show that he is still conflicted about being a priest in spite of the bishop's absolution?

10. What do Dillon and Arthur Lee do to try to warn the town about the dam which has burst?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Does Giardina end the story on a note of hope for Jackie or the continuance of her struggle to come to terms with flawed relationships and evolving trends and ways of life? Give your perspective and two reasons to support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

How does the author present point of view of the story? What are the benefits and the limitations to this particular style of presenting points of view from the main characters? How is the point of view determined? Provide an example that supports your answer.

Essay Topic 3

There is much symbolism in this story, especially the mines. Cite at least three examples of symbolism and support your answers.

(see the answer keys)

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