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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. Why does Addie take a book instead of getting on the computer?

2. About what smell does Denise complain when she gets home?

3. How many steps are there to get to anywhere in the house?

4. Why does Addie get scared later that evening?

5. Where has Addie just moved when the book opens?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Addie do for Halloween?

2. What does Denise say to Addie as she prepares to take Piccolo over to the mini-mart, and what is the effect of Denise's question?

3. What does Mommers say when she finally arrives home at 2 a.m.?

4. Why is everyone happy for Addie and how does Denise suggest they celebrate?

5. What does Addie notice about her surroundings in her new home?

6. Where is Addie moving, why and how does she feel about it?

7. How does Denise feel about the trailer and why?

8. For what does Soula use the board in her store and why doesn't Addie read the things on the board?

9. Who does Addie meet at the mini-mart and what does the person tell Addie?

10. What were the reactions of Dwight and Grandio when they learned about Denise's disappearance when Addie is nine?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Characters are an integral and important part of almost all novels. Discuss the following:

1. Compare/contrast the characters of Addie and Denise. How are they similar? How are they different? Is there a flaw in each of their personalities? Be specific and give examples.

2. Compare/contrast the characters of Hannah and Denise. How do they seem different? Which do you like more? Why? Which one seems more of a well-rounded character?

3. Thoroughly analyze how three of the secondary characters in "Waiting for Normal" help drive the plot and what their contribution is to the storyline. Are any of the secondary characters unnecessary? Indispensable? Which of the secondary characters are likable? Which are either unlikable or even despicable? Be specific and give examples.

Essay Topic 2

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 "Waiting for Normal" help a reader to know him/herself? Do you find yourself reflecting on your own character and abilities when reading this book? Why or why not.

3. Choose one specific incident in "Waiting for Normal" to discuss and compare one of the characters' response to how you think you would respond.

Essay Topic 3

Choose one of the following to discuss:

1. Choose two significant symbols and trace and analyze their appearance in "Waiting for Normal". 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 Connor 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 Connor chooses the metaphors she does?

3. Discuss Connor's use (or lack ) of literary device (such as foreshadowing, cliffhangers, deux ex machina, etc.), and how they add or detract from the story. Does Connor 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).

(see the answer keys)

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