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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 painting does Calder find on Mrs. Sharpe's wall?

2. What do Petra and Calder learn about Vermeer?

3. What is delivered to three different people?

4. What does Calder learn about his grandmother?

5. What excites Petra in school?

Short Essay Questions

1. What do Ms. Hussey and the students discuss in class and what does she quote from Picasso?

2. Why does Calder think he and Petra should call The National Gallery?

3. What do Petra and Calder learn about the Lady and what do they decide to do?

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

5. How do the students respond to the quote by Picasso, and who is especially intrigued by it?

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

7. What do Calder and Petra learn about the Lady?

8. What is wrong with Ms. Hussey and what do Caler and Petra think about all the problems?

9. What does Calder discover in Mrs. Sharpe's home?

10. What is Ms. Hussey teaching her students, and where is she teaching?

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 "Chasing Vermeer", 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 "Chasing Vermeer". (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?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss one of the following:

1. Trace and analyze the theme of art appreciation in "Chasing Vermeer". Consider the following questions as you write: What characters are most concerned with growth? Why? What are some symbols of growth? Symbols of rigidity? What characters seem rigid?

2. Trace and analyze the theme of coincidences in life. What kinds of coincidences occur in "Chasing Vermeer"? Are any of the coincidences similar to those that occur in real life or do they seem to be narrative contrivances?

3. Trace and analyze the theme of education. What seems to be the opinion of the author about education? How is education presented in this book? What characters are involved in education? What theme about education is expressed?

Essay Topic 3

Many readers of fiction place themselves in the position of one character, wondering if they would do the same thing as that character. Discuss the following:

1. Do you think one of the values of literature is to serve as a reflection of oneself? Why or why not?

2. Socrates said "Know thyself." How can reading a book such as "Chasing Vermeer" help a reader to know him/herself? Do you find yourself reflecting on your own character and abilities when reading Chasing Vermeer? Why or why not.

3. Choose one specific incident in "Chasing Vermeer" to discuss and compare one of the characters' response to how you think you would respond.

(see the answer keys)

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