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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 the narrator say about the fable, "The Tortoise and the Hare"?

2. To what status does Colin refer when speaking to Hassan?

3. What is Colin Singleton doing at the opening of the novel?

4. What does Colin do as he is waiting on the ground behind the convenience store?

5. What theorem is Colin developing?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Colin remember about himself when he was 25 months old?

2. What is the notebook that Colin sketches in while waiting for the tour guide to return?

3. How does Colin respond to what his father tells him when Colin gets out of the shower?

4. What does Starnes say when Colin, Hassan and Linsey interview him?

5. Where does the tour of the famous grave begin and who gives the tour?

6. When did Colin meet Hassan and to what does Colin relate most of his thoughts?

7. What does Colin overhear Hassan and Lindsey talking about and what do the three young people do that evening?

8. Who is waiting for Colin when he gets out of the shower and what do they tell Colin?

9. What happens when Colin talks to Katherine and what does he do as a result of the conversation?

10. Where does Lindsey go after interviewing Starnes?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the following:

1. What is a plot? What are the most important elements of a plot and their definition? Do all novels have a plot? Why or why not?

2. Write a brief synopsis of the plot of "An Abundance of Katherines", identifying where the various elements of the plot occur (Exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution or denouement.) Do you find it difficult to identify the plot? Why or why not? What about the various elements of the plot?

3. Identify the major sub-plots and their elements in "An Abundance of Katherines". (The subplots may not contain every element of a major plot). Do the sub-plots add to the main plot? Why or why not. Are the sub-plots interesting in and of themselves? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Characters are an important part of what makes "An Abundance of Katherines" interesting. Discuss the following:

1. Thoroughly discuss and analyze Colin. What are his strengths? His weaknesses? How does he contribute to the plot? Is he a sympathetic character? Is he always likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

2. Thoroughly discuss and analyze the character of Lindsey. What are her strengths? Her weaknesses? How does she contribute to the plot? Is she a sympathetic character? Is she ever likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

3. Thoroughly discuss and analyze the character of Hassan. What are his strengths? His weaknesses? How does he contribute to the plot? Is he a sympathetic character? Is he ever likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

4. Thoroughly discuss and analyze the character of Hollis. What are her strengths? Her weaknesses? How does she contribute to the plot? Is she a sympathetic character? Is she ever likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

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

3. Choose one specific incident in "An Abundance of Katherines" to discuss and compare one of the characters' response to how you think you would respond.

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