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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. From where do the clippings in "Lo!" seem to come?

2. What type of projects and assignments are students working on in University School?

3. What does Calder seem unhappy about studying?

4. Of what University is the University School where Ms. Hussey teaches associated?

5. What are two topics that the reader learns about in "Chasing Vermeer"?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. What does Charles Fort believe people do?

5. What sort of books has Ms. Hussey chosen in Powell's Bookstore?

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

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

8. What does the letter published by the Chicago Tribune state?

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

10. What do Petra and Calder do additional study on and what does Petra learn about the woman in her dream?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 "Chasing Vermeer" and whether or not it fulfills all three, two or one of the reasons you mention. Give examples as to why "Chasing Vermeer" is or is not successful in fulfilling the reasons you discuss.

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 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss one of the following:

1. Thoroughly analyze how the setting informs the plot in "Chasing Vermeer".

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

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

(see the answer keys)

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