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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. Who was the only one that ever took Annie's side?

2. Paul dreams that Annie is in what country?

3. What animal was named after the main fictional character?

4. Who is in the accident?

5. What object prompted the idea for the novel?

Short Essay Questions

1. Paul creates a vivid description of Annie comparing her to a natural force. What is the force?

2. What is going through Paul's mind as Annie explains her point about the "cheat?"

3. Why does Annie handcuff Paul? What does Annie do to keep Paul quiet?

4. What is Annie's opinion of Paul's first draft? To what does she compare it?

5. How does Paul keep track of the time in light of his bouts of unconsciousness? What does Paul wonder about the change of the seasons?

6. Discuss the scene in which Paul asks Annie to replace the typing paper.

7. When Paul describes the smell first associated with Annie, what does he say?

8. What part of Paul's anatomy does Annie pinch in order to get his attention?

9. Paul's skill as a writer often comes out through dreams and fantasies. Discuss at least one episode involving the sportscasters.

10. Annie makes a suggestion about Misery's alleged death. What is the suggestion? What is Paul's reaction to the suggestion? What is Annie's reply?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There are several traditions Paul has when he is on the verge of finishing a book. Discuss at least four of the traditions and why they are important to Paul as a writer.

Essay Topic 2

Annie Wilkes' farmhouse is in rural Colorado. Examine King's use of Colorado as a setting for the book. Why do you think King chose Colorado? Why do you think King did not use Maine, his most common location? Does Sidewinder exist? If so, is it anything like the location in the story? Explain. Discuss the pros and cons of using Colorado as a location. Also, discuss the pros and cons of placing Annie's farmhouse in the countryside. How did it change the plot? What might have been different if Annie lived in town? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

Paul finally returns to New York after his ordeal with Annie. Explain Paul's return to the city. Where does Paul go? Why does he move? What is the reaction of his agent and editor? Why is Paul such big news? Is Paul excited or offended that he is being offered so much money for a book regardless of its genre or worth? How much do you think Paul will get for his next book? What do you think Paul will do next? Do you think there will be any more Misery books?

(see the answer keys)

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