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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 Ginny sacrifice to the Vestal Virgins?

2. What does Keith offer to do?

3. In what state does Ginny wake the next morning?

4. Where does Richard suggest Ginny go?

5. What does Keith ask Ginny as they are leaving Mari's?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Ginny meet Beppe?

2. What happens when Keith makes a romantic overture to Ginny?

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

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

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

6. How does Ginny decide to get the money to the artist?

7. What does Peg tell Ginny as far as traveling is concerned?

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

9. What is Ginny's experience in the theater?

10. 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?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Ginny always felt as though she was more interesting around her Aunt Peg. She was rather shy and tried hard to blend in wherever possible, which was almost impossible with a thirty pound green and purple backpack. It is a June afternoon when Ginny arrived at the 4th Noodle Penthouse to pick up the package left to her by Aunt Peg. The smell is immediately familiar and she half expects Peg to come in any second, but of course that is impossible. She can't believe her Aunt is actually gone. Her visits to Peg had been infrequent, but magical. Peg had always been flighty, so when her phone stopped working, no one panicked.

1. Discuss, in detail, why you think Ginny always felt more interesting around her aunt. Use examples from your own life and "13 Little Blue Envelopes" to support your answer.

2. Discuss, in detail, ways in which you think Ginny could overcome her shyness. Use examples from your own life and "13 Little Blue Envelopes" to support your answer.

3. Discuss what you think Ginny might be feeling and thinking when she enters the penthouse. Use examples from your own life and "13 Little Blue Envelopes" to support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss one of the following:

1. Thoroughly analyze how the setting informs the plot in "13 Little Blue Envelopes".

2. Trace and analyze one major theme of "13 Little Blue Envelopes". How is the theme represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

3. Trace and analyze two secondary themes of the story. How are the themes represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

Essay Topic 3

Over the course of "13 Little Blue Envelopes", Ginny grows as a person in both complexity and understanding. "13 Little Blue Envelopes" might be considered a slice of Ginny's larger story of her "coming of age." It might be said that this story is a "bildungsroman" of Ginny Blackstone. Discuss the following:

1. Define Bildungsroman, or "Coming of Age," and give several examples from literature you have read.

2. Trace and analyze the character of Ginny as she changes from a shy teen to a more confident young woman. What are the significant events that change Ginny?

3. After thoroughly analyzing Ginny's growth throughout "13 Little Blue Envelopes", do you think "13 Little Blue Envelopes" could be considered Ginny's Coming of Age story? Why or why not?

4. Are there any other characters in "13 Little Blue Envelopes" who go through a Coming of Age experience? Who? Why do you think so?

(see the answer keys)

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