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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 does Robbie's grandfather say they are "sheltering...through a dark period" (6)?

2. What simple act does Robbie's grandfather say is "doing much good" (6) as far as he is concerned?

3. In what way does Robbie's grandfather say they can help him if need be at the end of his letter?

4. How does Robbie's grandfather close the letter?

5. What does Robbie's grandfather admit to having in response to the last part of Robbie's email?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why would it have been fruitless for Robbie's grandfather to "harangue the officials" (5) in Waterville?

2. What does Robbie's grandfather say is easier to do when reading history books?

3. What does Robbie's grandfather say about organizing marches when discussing what he could have done during the critical period?

4. What were Robbie's grandparents doing nightly while the TV news blared in the other room pre and post election?

5. What happened in the dream Robbie's grandfather had the night before writing the letter?

6. What household and medical bills were Robbie's grandparents incurring during what he calls the "critical period" (4)?

7. What "crude metaphor" (4) does Robbie's grandfather use to explain how he and his wife and others became inured to what was happening?

8. Why were Robbie's grandparents not "more extreme people" (5), according to him?

9. Why were "those on the other side" (5) so wiling to try to tear down the system?

10. What language does Robbie's grandfather use to describe the president, particularly when explaining why he did not think things could go so far?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay analyzing the symbolic significance of jigsaw puzzles in "Love Letter." When do they appear? What is the context? How do these puzzles develop the plot and themes of the story?

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay discussing the setting and time period of "Love Letter." In what ways does the time period and setting impact your understanding of the story as well as the themes?

Essay Topic 3

Write a detailed analysis of tone in Saunders's "Love Letter." Include whether the tone changes or remains the same. If it changes, include details on when, why and whether this change is effective.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 762 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample