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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. Upon what are Arvin and his father seated?

2. About whom does Theodore sing?

3. What does Willard decide he is going to do after watching his father?

4. What happens despite the sacrifice of the lawyer?

5. In what does Carl have faith?

Short Essay Questions

1. What do the two hunters loudly discuss and what is Willard's reaction?

2. What does Bodecker learn when he visits the bar where Sandy works?

3. Who are Sandy and Carl and what are they doing?

4. With whom is Henry's wife committing adultery and with whom does Henry say he'd like to commit adultery?

5. Where is Arvin joining his father?

6. What interrupts Hank Bell's daydreaming?

7. What happens when Arvin turns ten and how does Willard plan to fix it?

8. What does Willard decide to do as Charlotte's health deteriorates?

9. Who is closing Maude's Store, and about what is he fantasizing?

10. What happens one night when Willard wakes Arvin?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss one of the following:

1. Trace and analyze the theme of growth in "The Devil All the Time". Consider the following questions as you write: What characters are most concerned with growth? Why? What are some symbols of growth? Symbols of rigidity? What characters seem rigid?

2. Trace and analyze the theme of religion in "The Devil All the Time". Which characters struggle with this issue? Why? Which characters seem to possess courage? Why?

3. Trace and analyze the theme of death in "The Devil All the Time". Consider the death of Arvin's mother, the deaths by homicide and by suicide.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the following:

1. Who is/are the protagonists of the story and why?

2. Who is/are the antagonists of the story and why?

3. Which 3 secondary characters have the greatest impact on the plot?

4. Are any of the characters dispensable and which ones? Why or why not?

5. Do you think this is a character-driven plot or an action-driven plot? Explain

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the following:

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

2. Analyze and discuss "The Devil All the Time" based upon the criteria you decide upon in #1 and judge if "The Devil All the Time" 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 "The Devil All the Time" a successful novel? What about young teens?

(see the answer keys)

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