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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 does Petra's father bring up?

2. What is are pentominoes?

3. What is Ms. Hussey's class supposed to investigate for this assignment?

4. How does the book suggest the reader view the artwork in "Chasing Vermeer"?

5. Why is Petra embarrassed?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does a set of pentominoes work?

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

3. What helps Calder think and what is he thinking about as he sits in his room?

4. Where can the reader find the answers to the clues given in the art work?

5. How does Petra obtain the book called "Lo!"?

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

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

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

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

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

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 "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?

Essay Topic 2

There are a number of interesting questions raised by "Chasing Vermeer". Questions that Balliett most likely want readers to consider and think through carefully. Discuss the following:

1. What does the term "author agenda" mean?

2. Name one idea/concept you think may have been a part of the Balliett's agenda. Analyze that idea throughout the book and discuss Balliett's probable agenda concerning that idea.

2. Do you think writers who have an agenda for writing should point it out in a preface?

3. How often do you think fiction is written with a clear agenda in mind by the author?

4. Research the life of Balliett and see if/where her life may have influenced her writing.

Essay Topic 3

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).

(see the answer keys)

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