View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. How does Norberta communicate some ideas to Vicky?

2. What does Vicky do when she and Adam are swimming out to the dolphins on Friday?

3. Why do Leo and Vicky go to the mainland?

4. What does Norberta do on Wednesday morning when Vicky and Adam swim with her?

5. Why is Vicky angry with Zachary on the way to the airport?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss one of the following:

1. Trace and analyze the theme of growth in this book. Consider the following questions as you write: What characters are most concerned with growth? Why? What are some symbols of growth? Symbols of rigidity? What characters seem rigid?

2. Trace and analyze the theme of death in "A Ring of Endless Light". Which characters struggle with this issue? Why? Which characters seem to handle the idea of death well? Why? Which ones struggle against death? Why? (Remember to consider non-human characters)

3. Trace and analyze the theme of family in the novel. Is Vicky's family a typical family? Are they idealized? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 507 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample