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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 did Beck's father get transferred to in 1958?

2. What did some of Beck's friends realize about Beck's climbing hobby?

3. Where did Beck decide to climb after his climb in Colorado?

4. What did Beck enjoy doing after they moved to Dallas when he was not working?

5. Who attended the meal with Beck and other climbers on the summit of Mount Elbrus?

Short Essay Questions

1. What made Beck decide to climb Everest? How does he start getting ready for the climb?

2. What does Peach write about the women in her family?

3. What did Beck write about his life in Japan?

4. What did Kit relate about the Weathers' family life?

5. What did Beck relate about his time when his father was stationed in Saudi Arabia in 1958?

6. What happened to Beck's emotional state during his first year at Midwestern?

7. Why does Beck go to Mexico? What does he realize while he is there?

8. How did Beck and Peach end up back in Dallas?

9. What did Beck begin to do after his term as president of Medical City ended? How did he cope with the problem?

10. What does Beck write about his experience climbing Mount McKinley?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the following:

1. Thoroughly discuss the character of Beck Weathers. What are his strengths? Weaknesses? How does he evolve over the course of the story? (or does he?) Is he likable at the beginning of the story? At the end of the book? Is he trustworthy? Wise? Would you want him as a friend? As an opponent? Do you think he is loving? Compassionate? Accepting? Tolerant?

2. Thoroughly discuss the character of Peach. What are her strengths? Weaknesses? How does she evolve over the course of the story? Is she likable at the beginning of the story? At the end of the book? Do you think she is loving? Compassionate? Accepting? Tolerant?

3. Thoroughly discuss two other persons of your choosing. What are their strengths? Weaknesses? How do they evolve over the course of the story? (or do they?) Are they likable at the beginning of the story? At the end of the book? Are they trustworthy? Wise? Would you want them as friends? Are they likely to be opponents to your way of life? Do you think each one is loving? Compassionate? Accepting? Tolerant?

Essay Topic 2

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

1. Thoroughly discuss and analyze Beck. 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 Peach. What are her strengths? Her weaknesses? How does she contribute to the story? Is she a sympathetic character? Is she ever likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

Essay Topic 3

The topic of marriage is woven throughout Left for Dead. Discuss the following:

1. Discuss the attitudes toward marriage that Beck Weathers has as opposed to his wife's attitudes.

2. How much do you think Beck's depression influences his views of marriage? Discuss thoroughly using examples from the book.

3. Compare/contrast the normal American view of marriage with Beck's. How are their views similar? Different? Which views are more like your own?

(see the answer keys)

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