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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. Where does Gary begin his search for Hawkins in New York?

2. Who gives Kylie a picture of Maria Owens for her birthday?

3. What does Gillian do with the girls when they leave the backyard?

4. Who is Gillian dating?

5. What does Gary feel after Sally leaves?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Kylie feel about going to her aunts that summer?

2. Why did Maria Owens attract attention when she came to Massachusetts?

3. What does Sally think about and how does she feel while waiting for Gary?

4. How does Gillian end up seeing Ben all the time?

5. What does Ben tell Gillian about her abilities and what does she do as the result of his opinion?

6. What does Gideon do after his mother tells him what is going to happen and how does he know if Kylie and him are still friends?

7. What do the aunts do when their concoction is ready and what do their actions help?

8. What do Sally and Gillian learn about Irene and how does this make them feel?

9. What does Kylie receive from her aunts for her birthday and what happens after it is in the house?

10. What happens to Kylie on the way to Gideon's house?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Sally becomes outraged at the thought that the girls are growing up. It will always make Sally sad to think that her girls are going away, but she will eventually come to terms with it much more easily than she thinks possible. Sally's going to bed seems rather childish in many ways, showing that she is not as practical as she seems to be in regards to so many other situations.

1. Do you think Sally's reaction towards her daughters growing up is normal? Why or why not? Use examples from "Practical Magic" and your own life to support your answer.

2. What other ways might Sally be able to cope with her feelings of uncertainty than going to bed? Use examples from "Practical Magic" and your own life to support your answer.

3. Do you think someone who is an adult and is practical should never act childish? Why or why not? Use examples from "Practical Magic" and your own life to support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

There are a number of interesting questions raised by "Practical Magic". Questions that Hoffman most likely want readers to consider and think through carefully. Discuss the following:

1. What does the term "author agenda" mean?

2. Name one idea/concept you think may have been a part of the Hoffman's agenda. Analyze that idea throughout the book and discuss Hoffman's probable agenda concerning that idea.

2. Do you think writers who have an agenda for writing should point it out in a preface?

3. How often do you think fiction is written with a clear agenda in mind by the author?

4. Research the life of Hoffman and if/where his life may have influenced his writing.

Essay Topic 3

Characters are an important part of what makes "Practical Magic" interesting. Discuss the following:

1. Thoroughly discuss and analyze Gillian. What are her strengths? Her weaknesses? How does she contribute to the plot? Is she a sympathetic character? Is she always likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

2. Thoroughly discuss and analyze the character of Sally. What are her strengths? Her weaknesses? How does she contribute to the plot? Is she a sympathetic character? Is she ever likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

3. Thoroughly discuss and analyze Kylie. What are her strengths? Her weaknesses? How does she contribute to the plot? Is she a sympathetic character? Is she always likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

(see the answer keys)

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