5. Marley got the movie audition because a film crew had just been to film the Grogan family as a typical Florida family. What was the purpose of this film?

Short Essay Questions

1. Due to Marley's continuing bad behavior, John decided to read a book on dog training called No Bad Dogs. Who wrote the book and what did the author say about badly behaved dogs?

2. What happened soon after John's visit to Shanksville that reinforced his conviction that Marley was living on "borrowed time"?

3. What decision did the Grogans make soon after moving to Boca Raton? How did their friends react?

4. What did Patrick and Conor expect to see in their new home state and why?

5. What happened when Jenny was allowed to get up after being in bed for twelve weeks during her pregnancy with Conor?

6. What was life like for the Grogans after Conor's birth?

7. Jenny started feeling labor pains at twenty-one weeks into her third pregnancy. What was the result of this for Jenny and for John, Patrick, and Marley?

8. What was the result of John's interview with Organic Gardening magazine?

9. What were four reasons the Grogans decided to move to Boca Raton?

10. What were the sequence of events behind John's getting an interview at Organic Gardening magazine?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Define what is meant by "style" in writing. Discuss what kind of style is used traditional nonfiction, novels, and creative nonfiction. Which style was used in the writing of Marley & Me? Support your answer with four examples.

Essay Topic 2

Define the component of the literary element of plot known as "exposition". What purpose does it serve in writing? Give four examples of Grogan's use of exposition in Marley & Me that enhance the memoir.

Essay Topic 3

Tone refers to the attitude of the narrator of a work. As the narrator of Marley & Me, what is the author's tone at different stages of the book? Explain the tone, with examples:

1) At the beginning of the book, before the Grogans adopted Marley;

2) When Marley was a puppy;

3) When the family welcomes children; and

4) When the family moves to Pennsylvania with an aging Marley.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,031 words
(approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page)

View a FREE sample