Mid-Book Test - Hard
|Name: _________________________||Period: ___________________|
This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.
Short Answer Questions
1. What transformation occurs in Henry when he is on his shrimping boat?
2. Which of the following events does NOT transpire when Tom visits Savannah's apartment?
3. How would you characterize Tom's initial behavior towards Dr. Lowenstein?
4. What is the name of the school Bernard attends?
5. Which of the following events does NOT happen during the family picnic?
Short Essay Questions
1. What is significant about the new black student's ability to beat Tom in a race?
2. How would you describe Lila Wingo?
3. What does Tom realize after reading the first page of Renata's book?
4. What is the symbolism of Luke's solitary war with the government?
5. Why is Tom jealous of Savannah in Chapter 18?
6. Why does Henry help "The Amberjack"?
7. What plans do the Wingo children have after graduation?
8. Who is the Prince of Tides?
9. How does Lila react to the news of Tom's actions against Todd?
10. What is different, according to Susan, about the way Bernard interacts with Tom and his father?
Essay Topic 1
A theme and concern among many Southern writers is the collapse of the "Old South." William Faulkner, for example, dealt with this issue numerous times in his novels and short stories. Pat Conroy also seems to be making a statement about the South and its destruction through the traumatic events of the Wingo children.
Write a thematic essay in which you trace Conroy's treatment of the South and its collapse throughout the novel. Some questions to consider are: What seems to be the author's view of the South? How does he represent the South throughout his narrative? Does the end of the novel seem indicative of a resurrection of the Old South or are the traditions and ways of the past lost forever in the wake of progress and development?
Essay Topic 2
What role do racism and bigotry play in the novel? Discuss specific examples of racism and bigotry in the novel and how it affects the overall ideas presented in the narrative.
Essay Topic 3
Geographical settings carry a special significance in the novel. In fact, the narrative frequently alternates between the South and New York City. Compare and contrast these two settings. What significance do each of them hold in the story? Why does Conroy choose to alternate between the two?
This section contains 2,484 words
(approx. 9 pages at 300 words per page)