View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Colin think about as he is lying on the ground?

2. How much pay could Colin and Hollis earn at the factory?

3. What do Hassan and Lindsey decide to play?

4. What was the name of the tour guides first and only boyfriend?

5. What town does Hollis want to research its history?

Short Essay Questions

1. Where does the tour of the famous grave begin and who gives the tour?

2. What is the notebook that Colin sketches in while waiting for the tour guide to return?

3. Who is waiting for Colin when he gets out of the shower and what do they tell Colin?

4. What does Hollis offer Hassan and Colin?

5. What is Colin doing at the opening of the novel and what is he upset about?

6. What does Hassan do in order to be able to go back to the Hollis home earlier than they are supposed to?

7. Who is in the convenience store when Colin and Hassan return from the grave and what does the person say to Colin?

8. What happens when Colin talks to Katherine and what does he do as a result of the conversation?

9. Whose grave is advertised when Colin and Hassan decide to exit off the interstate?

10. How does Colin respond to what his father tells him when Colin gets out of the shower?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the following:

1. What do you think are the characteristics of a successful novel?

2. Analyze and discuss "An Abundance of Katherines" based upon the criteria you decide upon in #1 and judge if this is a successful novel.

3. Do you think the criteria for a successful novel should be different if it is written for adults versus young adults? Why or why not? Would most adults consider "An Abundance of Katherines" a successful novel? What about young teens?

Essay Topic 2

Many readers of fiction place themselves in the position of one character, wondering if they would do the same thing as that character. Discuss the following:

1. Do you think one of the values of literature is to serve as a reflection of oneself? Why or why not?

2. Socrates said "Know thyself." How can reading a book such as "An Abundance of Katherines" help a reader to know him/herself? Do you find yourself reflecting on your own character and abilities when reading "An Abundance of Katherines"? Why or why not.

3. Choose one specific incident in "An Abundance of Katherines" to discuss and compare one of the characters' response to how you think you would respond.

Essay Topic 3

The fact that Colin keeps dating girls with the name of Katherine suggests that he is attracting the same type of girl. Each girl ends the relationship and so the act of continuing to date Katherines symbolizes Colin's way of trying to get the relationship right this time around.

1. Discuss how the saying: Insanity is when you keep on doing what you have always done expecting different results relates the the above statements. Use examples from your own life and "An Abundance of Katherines" to support your answer.

2. Do you think Colin will ever "get it right" if he keeps attracting the same type of girl? Why or why not? Use examples from your own life and "An Abundance of Katherines" to support your answer.

3. Since it is almost a given that in the "real" world no one could have met 19 girls named Katherine to date, especially given Colin's age, the fact that in An Abundance of Katherines this is true it must mean something else. Discuss what theme the author is illustrating using the symbolism of 19 girls with the same name. Use examples from your own life and "An Abundance of Katherines" to support your answer.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,000 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample