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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. Who is not feeling well?

2. What does the thief say he will do if the public does not respond to the thief's demands?

3. What does Calder think when he sees Petra in her Halloween costume?

4. How does author say "Chasing Vemeer" is related to pentominoes?

5. What does Calder say all the oddness probably is?

Short Essay Questions

1. What sort of books has Ms. Hussey chosen in Powell's Bookstore?

2. Who did Calder used to spend his time with, and what does he do now?

3. What does Petra begin looking for, and does she find it at home?

4. What do Ms. Hussey and the students discuss in class and what does she quote from Picasso?

5. To what does the author compare pentominoes?

6. What do Calder and Petra learn about the Lady?

7. What is the book "Lo!" about?

8. What is Petra's father upset about and what is Petra's response?

9. What does the letter from Tommy say, and what is Calder's thoughts about the letter?

10. Why is the University School founded, and how what Ms. Hussey think of this?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

1. What is foreshadowing? How many incidences of foreshadowing are in "Chasing Vermeer"? How does foreshadow contribute to a book's suspense?

2. Discuss an example of foreshadowing in "Chasing Vermeer" including why you believe it is foreshadow. Include examples from the book and your own life to illustrate your answer.

3. How do you think most people react to uncertainty in their lives? Use examples from the book and your own live to support your opinion.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss one of the following:

1. Trace and analyze the theme of art appreciation in "Chasing Vermeer". Consider the following questions as you write: What characters are most concerned with growth? Why? What are some symbols of growth? Symbols of rigidity? What characters seem rigid?

2. Trace and analyze the theme of coincidences in life. What kinds of coincidences occur in "Chasing Vermeer"? Are any of the coincidences similar to those that occur in real life or do they seem to be narrative contrivances?

3. Trace and analyze the theme of education. What seems to be the opinion of the author about education? How is education presented in this book? What characters are involved in education? What theme about education is expressed?

Essay Topic 3

Many novels, and perhaps a majority, of novels ends on a happy note. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think many (most?) people want what they perceive as a happy or good ending to a novel? Explain your opinion. Do you? Why or why not?

2. What are three reasons to read fiction? Discuss each one in light of "Chasing Vermeer" and whether or not it fulfills all three, two or one of the reasons you mention. Give examples as to why "Chasing Vermeer" is or is not successful in fulfilling the reasons you discuss.

3. Do you think reading solely for entertainment is as good a reason to read as any other? Why or why not? Can any work of fiction or non-fiction, no matter how poorly written, enlighten, teach, stimulate thought? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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