The Devil All the Time Test | Mid-Book Test - Hard

Donald Ray Pollock
This set of Lesson Plans consists of approximately 137 pages of tests, essay questions, lessons, and other teaching materials.

The Devil All the Time Test | Mid-Book Test - Hard

Donald Ray Pollock
This set of Lesson Plans consists of approximately 137 pages of tests, essay questions, lessons, and other teaching materials.
Buy The Devil All the Time Lesson Plans
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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 does Willard's mother promise God to marry Willard off to if he survived the war?

2. What type of gun does Willard own?

3. About what do some of Dunlap's friends warn him?

4. What does Roy say God did for Roy?

5. With what does Willard become obsessed after learning of Charlotte's illness?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Willard decide to move his family and how does Charlotte feel about the idea?

2. Why does Carl wake up drenched in sweat?

3. From whom does Willard rent a house and how does the man verbally abuse Willard?

4. How does Roy end up killing Helen?

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

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

7. Why does Emma believe God will not hold her to her bargain about Willard?

8. What would keep Willard from coming out to the prayer clearing and what does Arvin think of either activity?

9. Where is Arvin joining his father?

10. What interrupts Hank Bell's daydreaming?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Often, authors will write about "what they know," and sometimes knowing a little about the author makes the books more interesting. Discuss the following:

1. Research and give a brief biographical sketch of Donald Ray Pollock.

2. What in Pollock's background may have helped him in writing "The Devil All the Time"? What may have influenced the way he depicts various characters and scenes?

3. Do you think there is always some of the author's own life in his/her novels? Why or why not? Give examples.

Essay Topic 2

Choose one of the following to discuss:

1. Choose two significant symbols and trace and analyze their appearance in "The Devil All the Time". Are these universal symbols? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other symbols that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think Pollock chooses the symbols he does?

2. Choose two important metaphors and trace and analyze their appearance in the novel. Are these universal metaphors? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other metaphors that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think Pollock chooses the metaphors he does?

3. Discuss Pollock's use (or lack ) of literary device (such as foreshadowing, cliff hangers, deux ex machina, etc.), and how they add or detract from the story. Does Pollock use too many or too little literary techniques? State which of the five major elements of fiction the literary device is related to (style, character, plot, setting, theme).

Essay Topic 3

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 The Devil All the Time is? Explain your response.

(see the answer keys)

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