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

Short Answer Questions

1. What is Macon's response to his discovery when he goes back to his house after the storm?

2. What does Mrs. Dugan tell Macon about Muriel's past?

3. Why does Muriel give Macon a big calendar with a date marked in red?

4. At Rose and Julian's dinner party, what is significant about the pate recipe?

5. What does Macon remind Muriel about on the phone when he calls her while Sarah is at her sculpture class?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is an accidental tourist?

1. Define each term and their connotations.

2. Besides Macon, who else is an accidental tourist?

3. What is the overall message or meaning of this concept?

Essay Topic 2

Loss is a major theme in "The Accidental Tourist." The loss and suffering of children are the impetus for other losses, namely marriage.

1. Discuss the possible reasons why Macon and Sarah and Muriel and Norman are unable to take solace in their suffering over their children.

2. Why do you think Tyler utilizes children as the starting point to explore the consequences of grief?

Essay Topic 3

The issue of class is significant in the novel. Macon's family is middle-class, while Muriel has a working-class background. When Macon begins to see Muriel, his family do not approve of Muriel because they think she is just out for a meal ticket. How are Macon's reservations about Muriel also about class division?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 440 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample