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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 is the name of the narrator in Notebook Found in a Deserted House?

2. The narrator ends up relying on the assistance of which visitor to the farm?

3. What were the names of the boy's aunt and uncle?

4. Where does the geologic disturbance take place?

5. What is the name of the lumber baron?

Short Essay Questions

1. What item has deeply affected Josiah Alwyn? What is Grandfather Alwyn's obsession?

2. Who is the protagonist in The Shambler from the Stars? What is his main focus?

3. Why does the quest for Lang and Urquart seem fruitless and hopeless?

4. What happens to Professor Gardner at Rick's Lake? Who takes on Gardner's case?

5. What was unusual about Georg Fischer's father? What unusual tragedies have happened to Georg Fischer's family?

6. What is the prequel to The Shadow from the Steeple? In The Shadow from the Steeple Fiske arrives on the scene with a specific focus. What is Fiske's focus?

7. Who are Folin and Tony Alwyn? What is their relationship?

8. What happens to the writer's translator friend when he begins to read the Latin text of De Vermis Mysteriis?

9. After Al and Cissie sail off aboard the yacht, they disappear from the scene. What has happened to Al and Cissie?

10. Why is Willie sent to Uncle Fred and Aunt Lucy's farm? What does Willie find that frightens him?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Several of the stories mention ancient and/or forbidden texts, such as the infamous Necronomicon. Which other texts are mentioned? Which is the most referenced? Which is the most powerful? Does the text actually exist? If so, is the text available to the public? Why do the characters feel compelled to locate the texts? The characters often find the need to translate the texts. In which languages were the texts written? How can one be sure that the text is genuine? How can one be sure that the translation is correct? What might happen if a translation is incorrect? Also discuss the purpose and use of the texts in various stories.

Essay Topic 2

There are several places in the text that make reference to curses. Even skeptics and scientists who did not believe in curses came to believe after a series of accidents happened at a particular location. Examine the reality of curses. Do you think curses are real? What could convince someone to believe in curses? Examine other possible explanations for the events that happened. Choose at least three stories to examine from a scientific point of view.

Essay Topic 3

Most, if not all, of the stories come from "Weird Tales." The publication was highly influential in Lovecraft's time. Learn about Weird Tales. Write a 750 word essay on the publication, including its contributors, artists, and the fact that it seemed to be a stepping stone to great success for many authors.

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This section contains 1,249 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample