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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. Why does Brennan stay on the road when running near Fort Bliss?

2. Who does Brennan decide to ask to learn more about the skull?

3. What does Mr. Homesley do in the military?

4. What kind of officials are standing with Brennan's mother?

5. What does Brennan do with the skull to check out his theory on it?

Short Essay Questions

1. Where is Brennan by morning and what does he find there?

2. What incident with Mr. Homesley does Brennan recall when he thinks of talking to him about the skull?

3. What does Mr. Homesley say about the second source of information?

4. What is suggested about why the person to whom the skull belongs was killed and what suggestion is made for Brennan to find more information?

5. What kind of relationship do Brennan and Mr. Homesley end up having?

6. What does Brennan read that he thinks may be relevant to the skull?

7. What does Brennan learn about the probable cause of death?

8. How long does it take for more information to come to Brennan and what does he do when Mr. Homesley calls about it?

9. Why does Brennan talk to Mr. Homesley about the skull?

10. What reason comes to Brennan when he thinks about keeping the skull?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 Canyons, 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 (They 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?

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 Canyons.

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

Characters are an important part of what makes Canyons interesting. Discuss the following characters:

1. Thoroughly discuss and analyze Brennan. What are his strengths? His weaknesses? How does he contribute to the plot? Is he a sympathetic character? Is he always likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

2. Thoroughly discuss and analyze Coyote Runs. What are his strengths? His weaknesses? How does he contribute to the plot? Is he a sympathetic character? Is he always likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

3. Thoroughly discuss and analyze Brennan's mother. What are her strengths? Her weaknesses? How does she contribute to the plot? Is she a sympathetic character? Is she always likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

(see the answer keys)

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