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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 unusual about Jim's latest windmill dream?

2. How do Jim's colorful clothes affect Holly's pursuit?

3. Where does Jim get his surname from?

4. What mesmerizes Holly?

5. Why does the earth not speak to us?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens to Jim when he arrives home from Boston?

2. Why does Jim suddenly head to the airport?

3. How does Holly convince Jim to speak with her?

4. How does he manage to escape?

5. What does the attack motivate Holly to do?

6. What did Jim do after teaching?

7. What does Holly learn from Viola Moreno?

8. Why is Jim there?

9. Why is Jim not going to church?

10. What is the significance of the beer?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Examine the narrative's setting. What is the impact of it being set in the world of today? Why does the author choose the modern world as a setting? What might have been different in the book if it had been written in the past, future, or a fantasy setting?

Essay Topic 2

The story, "Cold Fire", is written along two different narrative lines, each from the point of view of a different character. Why do you think Koontz chose to write the story this way? How do you think the story would of changed if it was written from only one perspective?

Essay Topic 3

Compare the differences between Jim and Holly. How different are their lives and what choices may have affected this? What are their strengths and weaknesses as individuals? In what way is this relationship used to develop the themes of the book?

(see the answer keys)

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