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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 is Hassan's response to what Colin tells him?

2. What does Hollis offer Colin and Hassan?

3. What happens as Colin is walking behind the convenience store?

4. What does Lindsey convince Colin to let her do?

5. What does Colin do when Hassan pulls off the road after they leave the factory?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens to Colin as they are following their tour guide behind the store and who helps him?

2. What does Hollis offer Hassan and Colin?

3. What happened when Colin's parents enroll him in a pre-school?

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

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

6. Why does Hassan seem to think that Colin's problem is spiritual?

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

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

9. What do Hassan and Colin discuss concerning prodigies and geniuses?

10. What is Colin doing at the opening of the novel and what is he upset about?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Ironically, Colin is a genius, but he is lacking in common sense. For example, he can read the story about the tortoise and the hare, but he does not see the underlying meaning of the story. In another twist of irony, Colin is a genius but he is not socially advanced, so when he starts school, the other kids do not like him, bully him and think he is strange.

1. Discuss reasons it might be ironic that Colin is so smart academically but has no common sense. Use examples from your own life and "An Abundance of Katherines" to support your answer.

2. Discuss ways and events in "An Abundance of Katherines" that demonstrate Colin has few social skills. Use examples from your own life and this story to support your answer.

3. Do you think must geniuses are socially inept? Why or why not? Use examples from your own life and "An Abundance of Katherines" to support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss one of the following:

1. Trace and analyze the theme of growth in "An Abundance of Katherines". 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 self awareness in "An Abundance of Katherines". Which characters struggle with this issue? Why? Which characters seem to possess self awareness? Why?

3. Trace and analyze the theme of letting go of the past in "An Abundance of Katherines". How does Colin finally realize he needs to look to the future? How does his struggle bring him to that point? What events propel him into the future? What other characters struggle with letting go of the past?

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