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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. About what does Barbara warn Marcus concerning the story?

2. Where do Masha and Marcus hide?

3. What does Mrs. Galvez say the Yippies did in an earlier decade?

4. What background information does Barbara give Marcus and Ange?

5. What does Mrs. Anderson believe about the Bill of Rights?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Masha say in an email to Marcus?

2. How are the Xnetters portrayed the day after the "press" conference?

3. How does Marcus respond to Mrs. Anderson's opinion on the Bill of Rights and what happens to him?

4. Why does Marcus believe he has to try to end the arrests and what is Ange's response?

5. What does National Public Radio run the next morning?

6. Who helps Marcus when he has gotten away from Masha and does not know where to go that is safe?

7. How is Marcus rescued by the California Highway Patrol?

8. Who is first to sign up for the key sign and what motto does she say to the crowd?

9. What does Barbara ask of Marcus and Ange and what does she explain to Marcus?

10. Who catches Marcus before the real gas falls and how does she save him from Charles?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There are a number of interesting questions raised by "Little Brother". Questions that Doctorow most likely want readers to consider and think through carefully. Discuss the following:

1. What does the term "author agenda" mean?

2. Name one idea/concept you think may have been a part of the Doctorow' agenda. Analyze that idea throughout the book and discuss Doctorow' probable agenda concerning that idea.

2. Do you think writers who have an agenda for writing should point it out in a preface?

3. How often do you think fiction is written with a clear agenda in mind by the author?

4. Research the life of Doctorow and see if/where his life may have influenced his writing.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the following:

1. What is a plot? What are the most important elements of a plot and their definition? Do all novels have a plot? Why or why not?

2. Write a brief synopsis of the plot of "Little Brother", identifying where the various elements of the plot occur (exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution or denouement). Do you find it difficult to identify the plot? Why or why not? What about the various elements of the plot?

3. Identify the major sub-plots and their elements in this novel. (The subplots may not contain every element of a major plot). Do the sub-plots add to the main plot? Why or why not. Are the sub-plots interesting in and of themselves? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

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 Little Brother and whether or not it fulfills all three, two or one of the reasons you mention. Give examples as to why Little Brother 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?

(see the answer keys)

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