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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 word does Mike see spelled out with magnets on the refrigerator door?

2. What ritual does Mike do after the completion of his novel?

3. For whom/what does Mike NOT mourn when he has an emotional meltdown?

4. What is Mike's getaway house in Maine?

5. How is Mike completing his new novel?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Mike send his editor who pushes for the completion of his fourth book?

2. Why is the completion of his novel a month after Johanna's death the event that drives home the fact that she will not be coming back?

3. When does Mike begin to notice something odd about the magnets on the refrigerator door?

4. Who is the protagonist of the story and what tragedy befalls his wife very early in the story?

5. What is Mike's demeanor when he spends Christmas with Jo's family, the Arlens?

6. What does Mike hope to capture on the dictaphone and what sound is actually recorded?

7. Why does Bill Dean advise Mike to stay away from Mattie?

8. What made Max file for custody of Kyra?

9. What physical symptoms does Mike have during writer's block?

10. Had Johanna told anyone else about her pregnancy?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain the significance of the book's title. What does the author mean by calling it simply BAG OF BONES? What is he trying to emphasize with this emphatic style? Suggest three alternate titles for this book with supporting rationale for each.

Essay Topic 2

Describe the overall setting for the story. Why does the author use the setting he does? What is the time period of the story? How important is the time period to the attitudes and issues of the characters?

Essay Topic 3

Create a brief character study of Johanna. What did she look like? What were her positive personality traits? What were her dreams and fears? What was most valuable to her in her world?

(see the answer keys)

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