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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 was Beck born?

2. What did Beck's father do?

3. In what year did Beck and Peach meet?

4. Where is Mount Aconcagua?

5. Why did Beck have a difficult time reading?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What does Beck say about the early years of his marriage?

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

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

5. What does Peach say about Beck's "obsessions"?

6. Why does Beck blame Peace for his unhappiness and what is her response?

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

8. What sort of student was Beck at Northwestern?

9. Where did Beck attend medical school, and what specialty did he enjoy?

10. What is the "black dog," and how did it affect Beck?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Mountain Climbing is one of the predominant themes of Left for Dead. Discuss the following:

1. Research the history of mountain climbing and write an informative essay about what you find. Relate the information to what you read in Left for Dead.

2. Explain whether you would or would not like to climb mountains and give your reasons for your choice.

3. Why do you think people try to climb Mount Everest knowing how many people have died trying to do it? Use examples from the book to support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss one of the following:

1. Trace and analyze the theme of growth in Left for Dead. Consider the following questions as you write: What characters are most concerned with growth? Why? What are some symbols of growth? Symbols of rigidity? What characters seem rigid?

2. Trace and analyze the theme of depression. Which characters struggle with this issue? Why? How do you think Beck could have handled his depression differently?

3. Trace and analyze the theme of forgiveness. Why do you think Peach was willing to forgive Beck even if she did not yet trust him? Use examples from the book to support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

Though Use examples from the book to support your answer. is a non-fiction memoir, it has some of the characteristics of a bildungsroman. 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 Beck as he changes from a rather selfish man to a more self aware man. What are the significant events that change Beck?

3. After thoroughly analyzing Beck's growth, do you think Use examples from the book to support your answer. could be considered Beck's coming of age story? Why or why not?

4. Are there any other persons in Left for Dead who go through a coming of age experience? Who? Why do you think so?

(see the answer keys)

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