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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. What does Mrs. Stearn want before paying Ike and Bobby?

2. What does Raymond do when he looks in on Victoria the first night?

3. Why is it difficult for Ike and Bobby to talk with their mother?

4. What does one of Victoria's teachers say she will do?

5. Where does Victoria go after leaving her home?

Short Essay Questions

1. What do the McPheron brothers do after Victoria's examination is finished?

2. What does Crowder tell Russell Beckman's parents as to the reason they have been called to the office and what does Mrs. Beckman say? What does Russell say?

3. Why does Ella ask Tom to come to her house and what happens there?

4. How does Victoria end up going to Denver?

5. What happens at the barbershop when Ike and Bobby go there to collect their newspaper money?

6. What happens when Victoria returns to the McPherons' house?

7. Who do Ike and Bobby visit, what does she say and what does she do?

8. What does Victoria tell Maggie about the baby's father?

9. What does Dr. Martin do after he examines Victoria and what does she ask him?

10. What happens when Guthrie goes to speak to Russell about what he did to Ike and Bobby?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss one of the following:

1. Trace and analyze the theme of change. Consider the following questions as you write: What characters are most concerned with change? Why? What are some symbols of change? Symbols of rigidity? What characters seem rigid?

2. Trace and analyze the theme of mental/emotional illness. Which characters struggle with some sort of emotional illness? Why? Which characters seem really healthy emotionally/mentally? Why?

3. Trace and analyze the theme of death. How did the death of Ike and Bobby's horse affect them? What about Mrs. Stearns? How was their reaction to both deaths similar and different?

4. Discuss why Ella Guthrie moving to Denver was a type of death for the Guthrie family. Use examples from the book to illustrate your discussion.

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 Regeneration help a reader to know him/herself? Do you find yourself reflecting on your own character and abilities when reading Plainsong? Why or why not.

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

Essay Topic 3

The source of Russell's tendency for inappropriate behavior is obvious. With parents who lash out in vulgar tirades it is little wonder that Russell sees bullying and violence as acceptable behavior.

1. In light of the above statement discuss the saying: The apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Use examples from the text to support your answer.

2. Do you think Russell's behavior should be excused in view of what type of people his parents seem to be? Why or why not?

3. Discuss why Russell's behavior seems to reflect his parents. Use examples from the text to support your answer.

(see the answer keys)

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