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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 Zachary's mother die?

2. What is Vicky's father planning to do this summer?

3. What has changed the way Vicky views things?

4. How did Vicky once perceive Leo?

5. What happens when Commander Rodney is saving a young boy?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens when Vicky swims out to meet Basil?

2. How is Grandfather doing and how does Vicky interact with him?

3. What does Robin tell Vicky?

4. What was Grandfather's house originally, and how has he integrated the design into his own lifestyle?

5. What happens between Adam and Vicky when they get back to the beach after playing with the dolphins?

6. Describe the conversation between Zachary and Vicky when he calls after dinner.

7. What does Adam tell Vicky when they go out for a swim on Sunday?

8. About what does John wonder when he spies Zachary and how does Vicky react to John's statement?

9. What does Vicky not tell her siblings about a request her parents make of her?

10. Why does Vicky get angry with Zachary when they are driving to the airport?

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 Madeleine L'Engle.

2. What in L'Engle's background may have helped her in writing "A Ring of Endless Light"? What may have influenced the way she 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

Many books are often made into a movie based upon the book. Discuss the following:

1. Do you think you would enjoy watching a film based upon "A Ring of Endless Light"? Why or why not?

2. Do you think the subject matter would be more difficult or easier to portray in film versus in the book? Explain your reasoning.

3. Would you allow your high school-aged son or daughter (imagining you have one) to view the film? What questions would you ask your son/daughter about the movie? How would you talk to your child about death? Explain your answer.

4. How do you think the movie would differ from the book? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

Over the course of "A Ring of Endless Light", Vicky grows as a person in both complexity and understanding."A Ring of Endless Light" might be considered a slice of Vicky's larger story of her "coming of age." It might be said that this novel is a "bildungsroman" of one period in Vicky's life. 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 Vicky as she changes from a more carefree, innocent girl to a wiser, older teen. What are the significant events that change Vicky?

3. After thoroughly analyzing Vicky's growth throughout "A Ring of Endless Light", do you think it could be considered a slice of Vicky's Coming of Age story? Why or why not?

4. Are there any other characters in "A Ring of Endless Light" who go through a Coming of Age experience? Who? Why do you think so?

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