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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. In The Faery Reel, what does the narrator say the 'brown boys' will do with his heart?

2. What does the old man tell Amelia she will find in the house?

3. In New Orleans, who does the narrator and another professor meet in a bar?

4. How did the narrator first meet the detective?

5. What do the two of them do?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the character of Miss Finch.

2. What do you think the three older boys in the ghost story are?

3. Describe how the detective solves the mystery in 'A Study in Emerald.'

4. In 'The Faery Reel,' what kind of place is fairyland?

5. Do you think the gypsy woman in 'The Flints of Memory Lane' is a ghost? Did the boy imagine it all?

6. In 'Bitter Grounds' why does the man become a demon?

7. Describe the character of Mr. Alice.

8. Is Amelia a sympathetic character?

9. How do the characteristics and personalities of the months in the story 'October in the Chair' reflect the different months of the year?

10. Why does the writer in 'Forbidden Brides...' enjoy writing about Amelia making toast?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the theme of childhood innocence and growing up in two stories or poems of your choice from the collection. Compare the messages given by the author in each one.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the theme of evil and monsters in the poems and stories in this collection. Pay particular attention to the stories 'Keepsakes and Treasures,' 'How Do You Think it Feels?' and 'The Monarch of the Glen." Also, bring in any other stories and poems you like as well. What does the author have to say about evil and human nature? Do you agree with him?

Essay Topic 3

Do you enjoy Neil Gaiman's writing? Justify your answer by using examples from the text. Include in your discussion the author's use of language, meaning, characterization, symbolism, and metaphor. Use at least three stories and poems from this collection in your response.

(see the answer keys)

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