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

Short Answer Questions

1. What gift does Macon bring for Muriel's parents?

2. Who does Muriel threaten with a shotgun?

3. After recovering from his injury, who does Macon move in with?

4. Where does Muriel put Macon's hand when he spends the night at her house?

5. In Vancouver, what does Sarah ask Macon on the phone?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss how Muriel is a foil to Macon in "The Accidental Tourist."

1. How does her presence create narrative tension and propel the plot forward?

2. How is Muriel the impetus for change in Macon's attitude?

Essay Topic 2

Holidays function as significant events for Macon and his family. Discuss the family dynamics at Thanksgiving and Christmas, and what they reveal about the characters' relationships with one another.

Essay Topic 3

Loss is a major theme in "The Accidental Tourist." The loss and suffering of children are the impetus for other losses, namely marriage.

1. Discuss the possible reasons why Macon and Sarah and Muriel and Norman are unable to take solace in their suffering over their children.

2. Why do you think Tyler utilizes children as the starting point to explore the consequences of grief?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 275 words (approx. 1 page at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample