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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 is said about Ms. Hussey as a teacher?

2. Who gave Calder the box he pulls out to look in?

3. Who does Calder think he and Petra should call?

4. What is significant about the Art Institute in Chicago for Petra and Calder?

5. How is Calder's home described?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Petra's father upset about and what is Petra's response?

2. What is given to three people on a warm, October night and what have the three chosen to do?

3. To what does the author compare pentominoes?

4. What is significant about M & M's?

5. What does the letter from Tommy say, and what is Calder's thoughts about the letter?

6. What book do Calder and Petra study after school, and what do they wonder about the first owner of the book?

7. Who did Calder used to spend his time with, and what does he do now?

8. How do Petra and Calder's families differ?

9. What does Calder learn about his grandmother and what does he wish about Vermeer and Fort and why does he wish that?

10. What is the book "Lo!" about?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Titles often play a vital role in making a person decide to read a particular book. Discuss the following:

1. Fully explain why you think "Chasing Vermeer" is titled as such. Do you think it is the best title for the book? Why or why not? Can you think of a better title? Why would you choose it?

2. How important is a title in influencing you to consider reading a book? Explain your answer.

3. Do you think a title needs to have direct relevance to a book's content? Explain your answer.

4. Have you ever read a book that when you finished, you do not understand the relevance of the title? Does it discourage you from "trusting" that particular author again?

Essay Topic 2

Choose one of the following to discuss:

1. Choose two significant symbols and trace and analyze their appearance in "Chasing Vermeer". Are these universal symbols? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other symbols that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think Balliett chooses the symbols he does?

2. Choose two important metaphors and trace and analyze their appearance in the novel. Are these universal metaphors? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other metaphors that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think Balliett chooses the metaphors she does?

3. Discuss Balliett's use (or lack ) of literary device (such as foreshadowing, cliffhangers, deux ex machina, etc.), and how they add or detract from the story. Does Balliett use too many or too little literary techniques? State which of the five major elements of fiction the literary device is related to (style, character, plot, setting, theme).

Essay Topic 3

Characters are an integral and important part of almost all novels. Discuss the following:

1. Compare/contrast the characters of Petra and Calder. How are they similar? How are they different? Is there a flaw in each of their personalities? Be specific and give examples.

2. Compare/contrast the characters of Mrs. Sharpe and Ms. Hussey. How do they seem different? Which do you like more? Why? Which one seems more of a well-rounded character?

3. Thoroughly analyze how three of the secondary characters in Chasing Vermeer help drive the plot and what their contribution is to the storyline. Are any of the secondary characters unnecessary? Indispensable? Which of the secondary characters are likable? Which are either unlikable or even despicable? Be specific and give examples.

(see the answer keys)

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