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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. Who is tall, tan and blond?

2. Which of Marina's parents does she most look like?

3. What does Karen say when she calls Marina at Marina's home?

4. What does Marina throw away at the airport?

5. What does Marina think of when she kisses Fox?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Marina's visit to the opera.

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

3. What is Fox concerned about and how is his concern proven to be valid?

4. What does Fox explain about Dr. Swenson?

5. Why does Marina go into the river and how does she feel about it?

6. What is Marina and Fox's relationship like and how does he act when he comes to her house the night before she leaves?

7. Who else shops at the store where Milton takes Marina and what does Marina wonder about the other foreigners?

8. How does Dr. Swenson react when she realizes Marina intends to come to the jungle with her?

9. What do Marina and the Bovenders discuss concerning Anders Eckman?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Marina finds the courage to explain about Anders death. Mr. Fox, unable to deal with the emotional situation, says little, although he does comfort Karen. The two leave, and Marina, quite upset that she was forced to tell Karen instead of Fox, asks to be taken back to her car.

1. Why do you think Mr. Fox made Marina tell Karen about Anders death when he was Anders boss? Use examples from the story to support your answer.

2. Do you think Marina was right to get angry at Mr. Fox for not doing his job? Why or why not? Use examples from the story to support your answer.

3. Discuss what you would do if you had to tell someone their spouse was dead. Use examples from the story and your own life to support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

Many novels, and perhaps a majority, of novels ends on a happy 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 State of Wonder and whether or not it fulfills all three, two or one of the reasons you mention. Give examples as to why State of Wonder 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

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

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

(see the answer keys)

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