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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. Which of the following adjectives best describes Tom Navidson?

2. How do Will's children feel about moving to a new home?

3. What is the name of the king who built a labyrinth to hide his deformed son in Greek mythology?

4. How many film trailers are described in the opening chapter of the novel?

5. What is the name of the girl who phones Johnny, saying she has books Zampano ordered?

Short Essay Questions

1. What type of relationship does Johnny Truant have with Lude?

2. When Johnny is reading the contents of Zampano's trunk, what is revealed about Will's childhood?

3. How does Johnny react to his readings about Echo found in Zampano's trunk?

4. How does Will find Wax and Jed, and what happens when he locates the men?

5. How did Zampano die?

6. What does Karen dislike most about her relationship with Will?

7. What image does Johnny frequently have about Zampano's last hours?

8. Who does Will take with him on the rescue mission into the hallway?

9. How did Lude and Johnny come into contact with "The Navidson Report"?

10. What does Will Navidson film when he and his family move into their new home on Ash Tree Lane?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The story of the Greek mountain nymph Echo is a story pervasive in this novel. First, explain the story of Echo in traditional Greek mythology. Then, explain how Echo's story relates to Will's story and the mystery of the house. Finally, discuss why you think Danielewski chose to include Echo's story in this novel.

Essay Topic 2

There are two stories of twins in this novel, Tom and Will, and Jacob and Esau. First, describe the story of Jacob and Esau as it is described in this novel. Then, explain how the story of Jacob and Esau parallels the story of Tom and Will. Finally, explain how the idea of twinning becomes important in Will's understanding of the hallway.

Essay Topic 3

Filmmaking is, arguably, the most important aspect of Will Navidson's life. First, describe the two movie trailers that opened the novel "House of Leaves." Why do you think Danielewski chose to open his novel this way, and how does this opening explain the character of Will Navidson? Then, explain how the opening trailers of the novel foreshadow what would be the themes of the text as a whole.

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