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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 how long has Anders been dead when Marina receives a letter from the Amazon?

2. What does Marina do when she gets home and Fox is there?

3. What does Barbara do when she learns of Marina's plight?

4. Who is Mr. Fox?

5. What does Dr. Rapp research in the Amazon basin?

Short Essay Questions

1. Give a synopsis of the conversation between Karen Eckman and Marina that night?

2. What does Marina begin taking in preparation for travel to Brazil and what does Karen remember in relation to Lariam?

3. What happens when Marina and Fox go to talk with Karen Eckman?

4. What does the letter from Dr. Swenson say about Anders Eckman?

5. What does Marina feel about the river?

6. What does Fox explain about Dr. Swenson?

7. Describe the conversation at the cafe between Marina and Dr. Swenson about Anders.

8. What does Marina tell Fox when she calls him the night after the opera and what is his reply?

9. Who is Milton and how does he help Marina when she lands in Manaus?

10. Why did Marina quit her OB-GYN residency program?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

From Alan's descriptions of Rapp, it is very clear he worshiped and idolized the man profusely. He cared little about the things Rapp may have done that were immoral, because he chose not to see those things. As he himself says, he chooses to cut away the bad parts of Rapp's life in an effort to show only the positive aspects. Nancy, on the other hand, sees Rapp in a different light. As a philanderer, and a cold hearted man who left dying boys in the jungle, Nancy can see little redeeming about him. While she does not question his genius, she does not think his hero status is deserved.

1. Discuss what you see is Dr. Rapp's character based on the above paragraph. Use examples from the story and your own life to support your answer.

2. Alan idolizes Rapp in spite of being left in the jungle by Rapp when Alan came down with a fever. Discuss the reasons you think a person would still admire someone who seems to care little about others. Use examples from the story and your own life to support your answer.

3. Alan has Rapp on a pedestal while Nancy puts him just above scum. Is it possible that Rapp is somewhere in between the two? Why or why not? Use examples from the story and your own life to support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

Oftentimes, a book has more of a character-driven plot rather than action driven, and oftentimes the other way. Some books seem to balance the two. Discuss the following:

1. What do you think it means to say that a plot is character driven? Action driven?

2. How do you think a plot differs if it is character driven versus action driven?

3. Which type of plot do you find more interesting? Why?

4. Do you think it is possible to have a plot where action and character development share equal time? Why or why not.

5. What type of plot do you think State of Wonder is? Explain your response.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the following:

1. What do you think are the characteristics of a successful novel?

2. Analyze and discuss State of Wonder based upon the criteria you decide upon in #1 and judge if State of Wonder is a successful novel.

3. Do you think the criteria for a successful novel should be different if it is written for adults versus young adults? Why or why not? Would most adults consider State of Wonder a successful novel? What about young teens?

(see the answer keys)

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