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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. Of what does Hanna's father assure Hanna?

2. Who is Karin Baum?

3. What does Hanna scheme for a while after Karin gives birth?

4. How did Hanna's mother fit into the small town?

5. What do other people take for granted concerning Hannelore?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does the wife respond to her husband's request and what does Manfred do?

2. What happens to a young couple who are in their car and who do the townspeople think is responsible?

3. What is the effect of the painter's actions on Anton and what do the townspeople say about it?

4. How does Rolf feel and what does he do about what Hanna tells him?

5. Who is Anton Immers?

6. What does Hanna do at the river when she is upset at her father?

7. How does Manfred's father endanger Manfred?

8. What upsets Hanna about her father after her mother died and where does she go to get away from the situation?

9. Who is Hannelore Beier?

10. Why does Hannelore leave her brother's home?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There are a number of interesting questions raised by Floating in My Mother's Palm. Questions that Hegi 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 Hegi's agenda. Analyze that idea throughout the book and discuss Hegi'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 Hegi and see if/where her life may have influenced her writing.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the following:

1. What is a plot? What are the most important elements of a plot and their definition? Do all novels have a plot? Why or why not?

2. Write a brief synopsis of the plot of Floating in My Mother's Palm, identifying where the various elements of the plot occur (Exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution or denouement). Do you find it difficult to identify the plot? Why or why not? What about the various elements of the plot?

3. Identify the major sub-plots and their elements in Floating in My Mother's Palm. (The subplots may not contain every element of a major plot). Do the sub-plots add to the main plot? Why or why not. Are the sub-plots interesting in and of themselves? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss one of the following:

1. Thoroughly analyze how the setting informs the plot in Floating in My Mother's Palm.

2. Trace and analyze one major theme of Floating in My Mother's Palm. How is the theme represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

3. Trace and analyze two secondary themes of Floating in My Mother's Palm. How are the themes represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

(see the answer keys)

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