View a FREE sample

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

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does Njord's mother splash Vicky?

2. What does Vicky tell Adam is the reason she went swimming with Leo?

3. What did Adam have possession of that someone else once wanted?

4. For what does Vicky apologize to Suzy?

5. How does Adam treat Vicky when the two return to the beach after being with the dolphins?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the following:

1. Compare/contrast the characters of Adam and Zachary. 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 Vicky and Suzy. 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 "A Ring of Endless Light" 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.

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. 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?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 477 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample