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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. How does Aunt Peg die?

2. Where does Richard suggest Ginny go?

3. Why does Ginny go to Covent Gardens?

4. What can be seen in the Roman Forum?

5. What does Ginny enclose in her letter?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Ginny ask Beppe when they arrive at his apartment and what does he do there?

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

3. How does Ginny meet Fiona and David and what does Keith tell her about them? How does she feel about Fiona's plans?

4. Who is Ginny supposed to meet in Edinburgh and why? How does Ginny feel about going there?

5. What is Ginny's experience the second night of Keith's show, and what does he do?

6. What does Richard say when asked what he sold the Queen?

7. What is Ginny's first "assignment"?

8. Who opens the door when Ginny goes to the address in London given in the letter?

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

10. What is contained in the second envelope?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

Many novels, and perhaps a majority, of novels ends on a happy note. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think many (most?) people want what they perceive as a happy or good ending to a novel? Explain your opinion. Do you? Why or why not?

2. What are three reasons to read fiction? Discuss each one in light of "13 Little Blue Envelopes" and whether or not it fulfills all three, two or one of the reasons you mention. Give examples as to why "13 Little Blue Envelopes" is or is not successful in fulfilling the reasons you discuss.

3. Do you think reading solely for entertainment is as good a reason to read as any other? Why or why not? Can any work of fiction or non-fiction, no matter how poorly written, enlighten, teach, stimulate thought? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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