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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. Why has Shannon decided against reconstructive surgery?

2. In lieu of purchasing a large gift for Shannon, what have her parents done?

3. Whose picture is on the Rhea Sister's stereo?

4. After setting the fire, what feeling overwhelms Shannon?

5. What is Manus's job in the Vice department?

Short Essay Questions

1. What has "Shane" bought Shannon for Christmas?

2. After locking Manus in the closet, who does Shannon call and what are the results?

3. What does Shannon leave for the unconscious Brandy?

4. What is Seth Thomas's true identity?

5. Where does Shannon go after burning the house down with Manus in tow?

6. What procedure does Brandy encourage Shannon to undergo?

7. If she cannot be beautiful, what does Shannon say she wants to be?

8. Why is Shannon shocked to see the picture on the Rhea sister's stereo?

9. How does Shannon try to kill Brandy?

10. What is the truth about both Shane's and Shannon's accidents?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The novel makes use of different stereotypes are archetypes for some of the characters such as the model, the drag queen, and even the Texas oil princess. Choose three stereotypes and unpack their roles in the novel. To which characters do these stereotypes apply? Do they apply to multiple characters? How does the use of stereotypes contribute to the central theme of the novel? Do the stereotyped characters undergo any changes or are they static, remaining the same from start to finish?

Essay Topic 2

Shannon's final act is to give Brandy her identity. Why does Shannon choose to do this? What does this action mean for Shannon? What does this action mean for Brandy? Why does Shannon, after the huge adventure she has just had with her brother, need to leave him and never look back? How does the idea of an invisible monster drive her to this point? Why has Shane chosen to look exactly like Shannon in his new life? Do either of these characters find redemption?

Essay Topic 3

Shannon and Brandy's parents are strange people. How do they treat Shannon and Brandy as children? How do Shannon and Brandy remember their childhood? Why are their parents so obsessed with Shane after his death? How does their behavior alienate Shannon? Are their parents an examples of how we are all products of products of products? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 696 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample