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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 Vicky's grandfather say is the price of some people's resurrection?

2. What does Vicky's grandfather do instead of coming to dinner?

3. What does Vicky's grandfather have thousands of?

4. What creature catches Vicky's eye while her grandfather is officiating?

5. How did Vicky once perceive Leo?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Vicky's experience impact her thoughts and feelings?

2. How does Adam react to Vicky's communications with Basil and with whom is Vicky allowed to talk about the experience with Basil?

3. What does Vicky compare about Adam and Zachary?

4. How do the dolphins break Vicky out of the deep hole she was in?

5. Describe the unsettling conversation between Suzy and Vicky.

6. What does Vicky find that makes her feel better when she gets home from her date from Zachary?

7. About whom does Adam ask Vicky?

8. Describe the experience Vicky has in the plane with Zachary the last time he rides with him.

9. What do Vicky's parents thank her for concerning Grandfather, and what do they encourage her to do?

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

Discuss one of the following:

1. Define irony in literary terms. Discuss the irony of the situation of how Commander Rodney dies of a heart attack while rescuing a young man who is trying to commit suicide. What other situations contain irony in "A Ring of Endless Light"?

2. Define symbolism in literary terms. Discuss the use and meaning of five symbols you choose to analyze from "A Ring of Endless Light". What do they symbolize? Is the symbolism obvious? Effective? Does the symbolism contribute to the enjoyment of reading?

3. Discuss five literary devices that occur in "A Ring of Endless Light" and how they are used. Are they effective? Do they add or detract from the reading of the book? Why or why not. Some possible techniques: Allusion, connotation, denouement, dialogue, flashback, figurative language, motif, metaphor, narrator, point of view, simile, mood, and puns.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the following:

1. Thoroughly discuss the character of Vicky. What are her strengths? Weaknesses? How does she evolve over the course of the story? Is she likable at the beginning of the story? At the end of the book? Do you think she is a protagonist or antagonist? Why

2. Thoroughly discuss the character Zachary. What are his strengths? Weaknesses? How does he evolve over the course of the story? (or does he?) Is he likable at the beginning of the story? At the end of the book? Is he trustworthy? Wise? Would you want him as a friend? As an enemy?

3. Thoroughly discuss two other characters of your choosing. What are their strengths? Weaknesses? How do they evolve over the course of the story? (or do they?) Are they likable at the beginning of the story? At the end of the book? Are they trustworthy? Wise? Would you want them as friends? Are they likely to be enemies?

Essay Topic 3

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 "A Ring of Endless Light" help a reader to know him/herself? Do you find yourself reflecting on your own character and abilities when reading "A Ring of Endless Light"? Why or why not.

3. Choose one specific incident in "A Ring of Endless Light" to discuss and compare one of the characters' response to how you think you would respond.

(see the answer keys)

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