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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 Hassan do in order to go back to Hollis' house early?

2. What does Hassan do after waking?

3. What does Hassan want when he first wakes?

4. Why does the tour guide take off her tee shirt?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What does Hassan propose to Colin's parents and what do they reply?

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

5. What does Hollis say Colin and Hassan will do for their job?

6. What does Hassan do in order to be able to go back to the Hollis home earlier than they are supposed to?

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

8. What do Lindsey and Colin discuss before bedtime?

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

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

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 "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?

Essay Topic 2

Characters are an integral and important part of almost all novels. Discuss the following:

1. Compare/contrast the characters of Colin and Hassan. 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 Lindsey and Hollis. 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 "An Abundance of Katherines" 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 3

Many novels, and perhaps a majority, of novels ends on a happy note. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think many (most?) people want what they perceive as a happy or good ending to a novel? Explain your opinion. Do you? Why or why not?

2. What are three reasons to read fiction? Discuss each one in light of "An Abundance of Katherines" and whether or not it fulfills all three, two or one of the reasons you mention. Give examples as to why "An Abundance of Katherines" is or is not successful in fulfilling the reasons you discuss.

3. Do you think reading solely for entertainment is as good a reason to read as any other? Why or why not? Can any work of fiction or non-fiction, no matter how poorly written, enlighten, teach, stimulate thought? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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