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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 David say Brentrock contributed to the war effort?

2. What is part of the reason Wesley became a sheriff?

3. What does David tell his father in the middle of the night?

4. Where did Frank attend medical school?

5. David lacks the courage to ask his mother about ________________situation.

Short Essay Questions

1. Gail wishes that her family lived where?

2. How does David know Wesley is going to investigate Frank?

3. What does Wesley begin investigating?

4. What happens when David goes over to the table where he spies his father and Ollie talking?

5. Who is Marie's boyfriend?

6. What happens when David tries to intervene in Gail's questioning of Marie?

7. What does David want to ask his mother when the two are sent outside, and why does he not do so?

8. What does David say his mother worries about concerning him?

9. With whom does Wesley talk to when he calls Frank? What does the person say?

10. What is disappointing to David about his father's position as sheriff of Mercer County?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Oftentimes, a book has more of a character-driven plot rather than action driven, and oftentimes the other way. Some books seem to balance the two.

1. What do you think it means to say that a plot is character driven? Action driven?

2. How do you think a plot differs if it is character driven versus action driven?

3. Which type of plot do you find more interesting? Why?

4. Do you think it is possible to have a plot where action and character development share equal time? Why or why not.

5. What type of plot do you think Montana 1948 is? Explain your response.

Essay Topic 2

Over the course of Montana 1948, David grows as a person in both complexity and understanding. Montana 1948 might be considered a slice of David's larger story of his "coming of age." It might be said that Montana 1948 is a "bildungsroman" of David Hayden.

1. Define Bildungsroman, or "Coming of Age," and give several examples from literature you have read.

2. Trace and analyze the character of David as he changes from a more carefree, innocent boy to a wiser, young man. What are the significant events that change David?

3. After thoroughly analyzing David's growth throughout Montana 1948, do you think Montana 1948 could be considered David's Coming of Age story? Why or why not?

4. Are there any other characters in Montana 1948 who go through a Coming of Age experience? If so, identify the character and explain their Coming of Age experience.

Essay Topic 3

Montana 1948 belongs to the young adult novel genre.

1. Define the literary term "genre." Identify three other genres.

2. Why is it advantageous to label a title by genre? Why is it a drawback?

3. What do you think is the difference between a young adult novel and a historical novel?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 750 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample