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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. To what does Merricat compare her house, now that it is burned and damaged?

2. What does Merricat persuade Constance to take outside and add to the barricade?

3. What does Merricat propose making clothes from?

4. What does Charles find which Merricat had burried?

5. What does Merricat feel within the house when she goes home in Chapter 8?

Short Essay Questions

1. After the fire, what do the sisters find to use for clothing?

2. What does Merricat do when she peeks in at Charles's room in Chapter 8?

3. What finally gets the villagers to leave the Blackwoods' property?

4. In Chapter 6, what does Merricat take from her father's room and why?

5. How do the villagers act while the Blackwoods' house is burning? What does Charles do while the house is burning?

6. After the fire, what does Merricat say are her new safeguards? Why does she think she needs new ones?

7. How do the villagers show kindness in Chapter 10?

8. What does Charles say which causes Merricat to run away in Chapter 7?

9. What do Constance and Merricat hear a woman tell some children in the Blackwood's yard?

10. How does Charles show his greediness in Chapter 6?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the element of mystery in the novel "We Have Always Lived in the Castle." What are some examples of mystery in the novel? Why is Merricat such a mysterious character?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the author of the novel, Shirley Jackson. What other works has she received recognition for? Is her work usually similarly-themed? Does she always write in the same genre?

Essay Topic 3

Analyze and interpret the information given about the murders? How might they have taken place and why? In what manner does Jackson share the information about the murders? Is the identity of the murderer a surprise?

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