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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. For what do they check the cattle?

2. Where does Victoria go on her lunch break?

3. What does Maggie do after Irving Curtis whispers something to him?

4. Who repeatedly slaps Victoria?

5. How long is the male student's report?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Why does Raymond get angry at a bar?

3. What does the school board chairman tell the Beckmans and how do they respond?

4. When does Victoria go into labor, how does she handle it and how do the McPherons handle it? What does she deliver?

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

6. How does Victoria feel on the way to the McPherons' house and what happens when she and Maggie arrive there?

7. What happens when Ike and Bobby visit the house where their mother now lives?

8. What do the boys tell Guthrie when he picks them up at the McPherons' and what do they ask him?

9. What does the young man ask his girlfriend, Sharlene, to do and what is the end result?

10. Where is Guthrie attending a party, why does he leave early, where does he go and what does Maggie tell him when he leaves?

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. 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 2

Plainsong, like many, and perhaps a majority, of novels ends on a happy (or at least optimistic) 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 Plainsong and whether or not it fulfills all three, two or one of the reasons you mention. Give examples as to why Plainsong 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?

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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