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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. Who does Lina see outside when the train stops?

2. How do the soldiers try to frighten the women?

3. What do the soldiers start throwing in the dirt?

4. Why is one man killed at the farm?

5. Who is Ulyushka?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Lina learn from the bald man about their captivity?

2. What happens to Kretsky when the prisoners arrive at some port?

3. What do the prisoners learn about the Japanese and Hitler?

4. What does Andrius say about his mother and why she is doing what she does?

5. What letter does Lina remember receiving once from Joana?

6. How do the soldiers thrown out into the snow one day when Lina and Jonas are going to the kitchen and why do they eat the food immediately?

7. What do readers learn in the Epilogue?

8. What does Lina steal and how does she explain it to Andrius?

9. Why are the prisoners waked in the middle of the night and what do they do?

10. How do the soldiers harass and frighten the women who have been digging a large hole?

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 "Between Shades of Gray".

2. Trace and analyze one major theme of "Between Shades of Gray". How is the theme represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

3. Trace and analyze two secondary themes of "Between Shades of Gray". How are the themes represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

Essay Topic 2

Over the course of "Between Shades of Gray", Lina grows as a person in both complexity and understanding. Between Shades of Gray might be considered a slice of Lina Vilka's larger story of her "coming of age." It might be said that Between Shades of Gray is a "bildungsroman" of Lina. Discuss the following:

1. Define Bildungsroman, or "Coming of Age," and give several examples from literature you have read.

2. Trace and analyze the character of Lina as she changes from a more carefree, innocent girl to a wiser, young woman. What are the significant events that change Lina?

3. After thoroughly analyzing Lina's growth throughout "Between Shades of Gray", do you think "Between Shades of Gray" could be considered Lina's Coming of Age story? Why or why not?

4. Are there any other characters in "Between Shades of Gray" who go through a Coming of Age experience? Who? Why do you think so?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the following:

1. What is a plot? What are the most important elements of a plot and their definition? Do all novels have a plot? Why or why not?

2. Write a brief synopsis of the plot of "Between Shades of Gray", identifying where the various elements of the plot occur (Exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution or denouement). Do you find it difficult to identify the plot? Why or why not? What about the various elements of the plot?

3. Identify the major sub-plots and their elements in "Between Shades of Gray". (The subplots may not contain every element of a major plot). Do the sub-plots add to the main plot? Why or why not. Are the sub-plots interesting in and of themselves? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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