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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. Where is the opening of the story set?

2. Where are Elliot and Jules?

3. Why does Chauncey not mind the dark night?

4. What does Patch act like after saving Nora?

5. How does Nora describe Patch's eyes?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe where Nora lives.

2. Who is the new person in Nora's PE class and what does he tell her and what does he do?

3. What does Dorothea tell Nora she is going to do?

4. What does the coach decide the students need to do in biology class, how does he change the class and who is most vocal about the change?

5. What wakes Nora in the middle of the night and what does she think about when it happens?

6. What happens to Nora when she is driving home in Vee's car?

7. How does Nora spend her evening after the change in biology?

8. How does Patch act when he sees Nora and what does he keep talking about?

9. What is the assignment for the day in biology class?

10. Why does Nora leave the others, how does she feel when she goes outside and what do she and Patch do?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Many novels, and perhaps a majority, of novels ends on a happy note. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think many (most?) people want what they perceive as a happy or good ending to a novel? Explain your opinion. Do you? Why or why not?

2. What are three reasons to read fiction? Discuss each one in light of Hush, Hush and whether or not it fulfills all three, two or one of the reasons you mention. Give examples as to why Hush, Hush is or is not successful in fulfilling the reasons you discuss.

3. Do you think reading solely for entertainment is as good a reason to read as any other? Why or why not? Can any work of fiction or non-fiction, no matter how poorly written, enlighten, teach, stimulate thought? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Characters are an important part of what makes Hush, Hush interesting. Discuss the following:

1. Thoroughly discuss and analyze Patch. What are his strengths? His weaknesses? How does he contribute to the plot? Is he a sympathetic character? Is he always likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

2. Thoroughly discuss and analyze the character of Nora. What are her strengths? Her weaknesses? How does she contribute to the plot? Is she a sympathetic character? Is she ever likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

3. Thoroughly discuss and analyze the character of Vee. What are her strengths? Her weaknesses? How does she contribute to the plot? Is she a sympathetic character? Is she ever likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

Essay Topic 3

Over the course of Hush, Hush, Nora grows as a person in both complexity and understanding. Hush, Hush might be considered a slice of Nora's larger story of her "coming of age." It might be said that Hush, Hush is a "bildungsroman" of Nora Grey. Discuss the following:

1. Define Bildungsroman, or "Coming of Age," and give several examples from literature you have read.

2. Trace and analyze the character of Nora as she changes from a more carefree, innocent girl to a wiser, young woman. What are the significant events that change Nora?

3. After thoroughly analyzing Nora's growth throughout Hush, Hush, do you think Hush, Hush could be considered Nora's Coming of Age story? Why or why not?

4. Are there any other characters in Hush, Hush who go through a Coming of Age experience? Who? Why do you think so?

(see the answer keys)

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