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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. Why does Gail take Enid to the kitchen?

2. Besides Wesley, who knows immediately that Frank has been arrested?

3. With whom does David's family spend the winter?

4. What does Wesley do concerning his job?

5. What does Gail ask Wesley to find out from Marie's family?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the story circulating about Frank's death?

2. Who probably knows the truth about Frank's death and what does David think the person will do?

3. Which person that knew the truth about Frank had strokes later?

4. Why does David think his father has been crying?

5. What does David say about his father's work load?

6. Why does Wesley not tell David what is going on with Frank right away?

7. What does Enid hear that causes her to start crying?

8. What does Frank ask Wesley about before they go to the basement?

9. What happens to Wesley?

10. With whom has Wesley talked about the situation concerning Frank? What did he not tell the person?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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

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

2. Socrates said "Know thyself." How can reading a book such as Montana 1948 help a reader to know him/herself? Do you find yourself reflecting on your own character and abilities when reading Montana 1948? Use examples from Montana 1948 and your own life to support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

Choose one of the following to discuss:

1. Choose two significant symbols and trace and analyze their appearance in Montana 1948. Are these universal symbols? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other symbols that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think Watson chooses the symbols he does?

2. Choose two important metaphors and trace and analyze their appearance in the novel. Are these universal metaphors? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other metaphors that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think Watson chooses the metaphors she does?

3. Discuss Watson's use (or lack ) of literary device (such as foreshadowing, cliffhangers, deux ex machina, etc...), and how they add or detract from the story. Does Watson use too many or too little literary techniques? State which of the five major elements of fiction the literary device is related to (style, character, plot, setting, theme).

Essay Topic 3

Titles often play a role in persuading a person to read a particular book.

1. Explain why you think Montana 1948 is titled as such. Do you think it is the best title for the book? Why or why not? Can you think of a better title? Why would you choose it?

2. How important is a title in influencing you to consider reading a book? Explain your answer.

3. Do you think a title needs to have direct relevance to a book's content? Explain your answer.

4. Have you ever finished reading a book and questioned why it was given its title? Does it discourage you from "trusting" that particular author again?

(see the answer keys)

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