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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. Where are Petra and Calder sitting at the opening to Chapter Sixteen?
2. What question is asked concerning both Ms. Hussey and Mrs. Sharpe?
3. Why do Petra and Calder go to Fargo Hall?
4. What sign does Calder carry to hide the painting?
5. Where do Petra and the security guard go?
Short Essay Questions
1. How is Ms. Hussey's class metamorphosing?
2. Who is chasing Petra and Calder and what happens?
3. Where does Calder manage to be left behind and what does he find?
4. How does Calder find "The Lady Waiting"?
5. Where does Petra find Calder and the painting?
6. Why is Petra nervous in Delia Dell Hall?
7. What is significant about the number twelve?
8. Who do Petra and Calder see on their way to school and what does she give them?
9. How do Petra and Calder manage to have access to some of the hidden areas of the school?
10. What do Petra and Calder learn on the evening news?
Essay Topics
Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:
Essay Topic 1
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 2
Often, authors will write about "what they know," and sometimes knowing a little about the author makes the books more interesting. Discuss the following:
1. Research and give a brief biographical sketch of Blue Balliett.
2. What in Balliett's background may have helped her in writing Chasing Vermeer? What may have influenced the way she depicts various characters and scenes?
3. Do you think there is always some of the author's own life in his/her novels? Why or why not? Give examples.
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).
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This section contains 1,083 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) |
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