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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. What color does Roger Bevins III describe wearing at Christmastide with his father in Chapter 27?

2. What literary work is attributed to Ruth Painter Randall in the book?

3. Who is described in Chapter 37 as having been kicked by a bull but still is looking forward to the dance?

4. What does Abigail Blass describe her father buying for her at Christmastide to stop her from having a tantrum in Chapter 27?

5. Who does Betsy Baron recall leaving at the Parade Ground in Chapter 27?

Short Essay Questions

1. How is Mrs. Delaney's plight described in Chapter 31?

2. What story does Elise Traynor relate to Willie in Chapter 13?

3. Why do Mr. Bevins and Mr. Vollman set out seeking Abraham Lincoln in Chapter 36?

4. How is Mrs. Ellis's appearance described in Chapter 26?

5. What is the inciting incident that transitions the plot to rising action?

6. How are Mr. Randall and Mr. Twood described?

7. How does Hans Vollman describe his death in Chapter 1?

8. What is notable about the dialogues of Eddie and Betsy Baron?

9. Who is Flanders Quinn and how is he described?

10. What is the unnatural predilection that Roger Bevins III describes in Chapter 9?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the author's insertion of both fictional and nonfictional essays, excerpts, letters, etc. in Lincoln in the Bardo. What purpose to these excerpts serve? What information do they relate? Why do you think the author does not delineate the real-life excerpts from the fictional ones?

Essay Topic 2

Detail and discuss the plot structure of Lincoln in the Bardo. Where does the exposition transition into rising action? What is the instigating incident? Where is the climax of the plot? What is revealed in the falling action and denouement?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the themes of loss and grief in Lincoln in the Bardo. How are these themes illustrated through character? What are symbols in the novel that reflect the themes of loss and grief?

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