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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 does Thomas Fones, while on his deathbed, ask of John Winthrop?

2. What news does Bess deliver to her father that makes him hit her with a stick?

3. Why is the Winthrop family in mourning?

4. What will happen to the Winthrop family now that Groton Manor has been sold?

5. How many people in John Winthrop's company have died since their arrival in New England?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the environment inside Groton Manor?

2. What is happening at Groton Manor which adds to Bess' anguish?

3. What happens at Anne Hutchinson's trial for heresy?

4. Why does Bess marry Harry even though she is really in love with his brother, Jack?

5. Why is John Winthrop so interested in going to the New World?

6. Explain the irony in Harry and Bess' efforts to help Peyto escape?

7. Why does Fitch, the Fones' family servant, tell Edward Howes that the Fones house is being run by the devil?

8. Explain the technique of foreshadowing and how the author uses it as Bess enters married life at Groton Manor.

9. Why does Bess discuss the topic of Christmas with her father's apprentice?

10. John Winthrop's good mood over the preparations for sailing to New England are dampened by what occurrence?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe Elizabeth (Bess) Fones. What is her fundamental personality? What is it about her that causes such consternation within the Winthrop family? Given Bess' independent nature and spirit of adventure, she seems suited to be a women's rights leader. Is Bess born ahead of her time? Why or why not? How does Bess' personality both help her and hinder her throughout her life?

Essay Topic 2

Bess does not believe in God ever since her flogging as a child yet she is the kindest character in the book. Does Bess have her own version of religion? Does Bess have an innate goodness and spirituality that does not need formality? How can Bess continue to live her life without the validation of a formal religion? Why doesn't she just give in and declare her profession of faith so that her life will be easier? What is Bess' internal code of conduct and why can't she be swayed in any other direction?

Essay Topic 3

In spite of her controversial nature, Bess is the healthiest character in the book. Explain why you think this is the case. Does Bess' mental state mirror her physical state? Does her positive outlook help her stay centered and healthy? Or does Bess' willfulness refuse to give in to weakness of any kind. Give your thoughts about Bess' state of healthy mind and body.

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