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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 does Richard tell Ginny before he leaves?

2. What does Ginny sacrifice to the Vestal Virgins?

3. Why is Ginny afraid to cross the road in Rome?

4. What does Aunt Peg say all great artists face?

5. How does Ginny decide to distribute the money?

Short Essay Questions

1. Where does Ginny go at the Coliseum, what does she do and what does the letter she opens there say?

2. What do Keith and Ginny do at the house in Edinburgh and what is Ginny told as she is leaving?

3. Where do Keith and Ginny go after having a drink?

4. What is the first thing Ginny sees in Edinburgh and what does Keith say about her going alone? Where does the person she is going to see live?

5. Describe the process Ginny goes through to purchase the tickets.

6. How does Ginny meet Keith and what does he tell her?

7. What does Ginny decide to do to get rid of the tickets she now holds and how many does she give away?

8. What is strange about the package and what's in the package?

9. Where does Ginny go and what does she get there?

10. Who is Keith's roommate?

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 Ginny and Peg. 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 Richard and Ginny. 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 "13 Little Blue Envelopes" 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

Discuss the following:

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

2. Analyze and discuss "13 Little Blue Envelopes" based upon the criteria you decide upon in #1 and judge if "13 Little Blue Envelopes" is a successful novel.

3. Do you think the criteria for a successful novel should be different if it is written for adults versus teens? Why or why not? Would most adults consider "13 Little Blue Envelopes" a successful novel? What about young teens?

Essay Topic 3

Titles often play a vital role in making a person decide to read a particular book. Discuss the following:

1. Fully explain why you think "13 Little Blue Envelopes" is titled as such. Do you think it is the best title for the book? Why or why not? Can you think of a better title? Why would you choose it?

2. How important is a title in influencing you to consider reading a book? Explain your answer.

3. Do you think a title needs to have direct relevance to a book's content? Explain your answer.

4. Have you ever read a book that when you finished, you do not understand the relevance of the title? Does it discourage you from "trusting" that particular author again?

(see the answer keys)

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