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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 story does the convenience clerk tell Hassan and Colin?

2. In what area does Colin not excel at school?

3. What does Hassan want when he first wakes?

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

5. What does the tour guide see written in Colin's notebook?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Whose grave is advertised when Colin and Hassan decide to exit off the interstate?

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

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

6. What does Hollis offer Hassan and Colin?

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

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

9. Where does Lindsey go after interviewing Starnes?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the following:

1. What do you think are the characteristics of a successful novel?

2. Analyze and discuss "An Abundance of Katherines" based upon the criteria you decide upon in #1 and judge if this is a successful novel.

3. Do you think the criteria for a successful novel should be different if it is written for adults versus young adults? Why or why not? Would most adults consider "An Abundance of Katherines" a successful novel? What about young teens?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss one of the following:

1. Thoroughly analyze how the setting informs the plot in "An Abundance of Katherines".

2. Trace and analyze one major theme of "An Abundance of Katherines". How is the theme represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

3. Trace and analyze two secondary themes of "An Abundance of Katherines". How are the themes represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

(see the answer keys)

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