View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. In the third example in a "Contract with God," the heavy lettering is above what creature?

2. What does lettering often serves as an extension of?

3. What element of weather messes with the typeface in Eisner's second example?

4. What specific content does Chapter 4 discuss?

5. In which 18th century tool do inscriptions reappear?

Short Essay Questions

1. Explain how composing a comic strip panel is like designing a mural, illustration, painting, or theatrical scene.

2. Briefly give a synopsis of Chapter 2.

3. Give a brief summary of the historical evolution of comics according to Chapter 1.

4. Why are close-ups used when facial expressions are critical?

5. Where does the emotion or "intuitiveness" of a panel come from?

6. How does the panel function as a stage?

7. What is the function of balloons?

8. What happens to the hero in one of Eisner's Spirit stories who wishes he could fly?

9. Why is the repetitiveness of comics compared to a language forming its own grammar?

10. Why did artists after the 16th century use expressions, postures, and backdrops to express their ideas?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In Chapter 2, the relationship of the sequential artist and the reader is examined. Eisner suggests that the reader and the sequential artist must communicate through mutual life experience. Answer the following question: Why must the sequential artist and the reader share life experiences for communication to occur? Use one of your own supporting ideas to back up your statement and at least two examples from the book.

Essay Topic 2

Generally, style has been lauded as "a form of imperfection." However, now that technology has harnessed the ability to produce artwork, the personal style of the artist might be encroached upon. Explain the tension between individuality and technological perfection. Use two examples from Eisner's last chapter to demonstrate the consequences of technology in art and the response of humans to computer-generated artwork.

Essay Topic 3

Chapter 4 specifies the technical aspects of perspective, communication, and interpretation. The contrast between visceral and intellectual is discussed in reference to the audience's interpretation of meaning. Explain why Eisner considers bridging the gaps in action between panels more of a visceral than intellectual activity. Cite two examples from Chapter 4 in your answer.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 780 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample