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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 Colin say Hassan cannot make Colin do?

2. What are the persons doing in the graveyard?

3. What is the first thing the three young people notice when they arrive in Memphis?

4. Who does Colin think might be forgotten in another 2,400 years?

5. Who is Hollis talking to when Colin and Lindsey arrive back at Lindsey's house?

Short Essay Questions

1. What do Colin and Hassan witness in the cemetery?

2. Why do the three teens go to Memphis and what do they observe?

3. How does Hollis explain Roy's actions with the bulldozer?

4. What is Hollis' long-plan for keeping the factory going and the town in operation?

5. What happens in the interview with Ms. Mabel?

6. Describe the incident that Hassan and Colin have with the feral pig.

7. What does Hassan admit to Colin about Katrina?

8. What stories does Colin tell Lindsey and what do they do before leaving the cave?

9. What does Hassan say some of the teens plan to do during the upcoming weekend.

10. Where do Colin and Lindsey go on their "date"?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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