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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. Who is Plug?

2. How does Hattie's uncle Holt surprise Hattie?

3. How is Mr. Whiskers fed?

4. What is the response of some of the other ladies when Hattie recommends a Mueller?

5. What is Hattie's newest challenge?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Karl say Hattie needs to do about plowing, and how does Hattie feel about plowing?

2. Who helps Hattie in the field the next day and how does he respond to her thanks?

3. How does Violet lose part of her tail?

4. How does Hattie find a small source of income for herself?

5. Who arrives to pick Mattie up in Wolf Point, and why do they spend the night there?

6. What happens when Perilee and the children go with Hattie to church?

7. What does Hattie write to Uncle Holt and Charlie and who mails them for her?

8. What happens the next day after the dance to the Mueller's barn?

9. How does Hattie defuse Traft's aggression towards Mr. Saboe?

10. What are Hattie's two animals like?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In most fiction, readers would like all the loose ends to be neatly "tied up." Discuss the following:

1. Do you think "Hattie Big Sky" is successful as a teen historical fiction? Why or why not.

2. What about this book would motivate you to read another of Kirby Larson's western novels? What would discourage you from doing so?

3. Were all the "loose ends" satisfactorily settled for you? Why or why not?

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 "Hattie Big Sky", 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 "Hattie Big Sky". (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 "Hattie Big Sky".

2. Trace and analyze one major theme of the story. How is the theme represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

3. Trace and analyze two secondary themes of the novel. How are the themes represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

(see the answer keys)

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