View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Under what circumstances is a coyote hard to find according to Marie?

2. While bowling with David and Wesley, what does Ollie do?

3. To whom is Ollie Young Bear married?

4. From what job had Julian retired?

5. Where would Gail prefer to live?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does David do when he visits his grandparents?

2. What does Gail learn as she questions Marie about Marie's illness?

3. What does David think when he sees his grandfather on the porch as they drive up to the house?

4. What does David find Len doing when he goes for pie and how does Len explain himself?

5. What does David hear Marie doing one day? What makes David fearful for Marie?

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

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

8. Who is Ollie Young Bear?

9. How does Gail compare the winds in Montana with the wind in North Dakota?

10. Why are Gail and Wesley at odds with each other as they drive to Wesley's parents' home?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Many readers of fiction place themselves in the position of one character, wondering if they would do the same thing as that character.

1. Do you think one of the values of literature is that is serves as a reflection of oneself? Why or why not?

2. Socrates said "Know thyself." How can reading a book such as Montana 1948 help a reader to know him/herself? Do you find yourself reflecting on your own character and abilities when reading Montana 1948? Use examples from Montana 1948 and your own life to support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

Often, authors will write about "what they know," and sometimes knowing a little about the author makes the book more interesting.

1. Research the life of Larry Watson, the book's author.

2. What events in Watson's background may have helped him in writing Montana 1948? What may have influenced the way he depicts various characters and scenes?

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

4. Name one idea/concept you think may have been a part of Watson's agenda. What textual evidence supports your opinion?

5. Do you think writers who have an agenda for writing should point it out in a preface? Why or why not?

6. How often do you think fiction is written with a clear agenda in mind by the author? Explain your answer with examples.

Essay Topic 3

Choose one of the following to discuss:

1. Choose two significant symbols and trace and analyze their appearance in Montana 1948. Are these universal symbols? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other symbols that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think Watson chooses the symbols he does?

2. Choose two important metaphors and trace and analyze their appearance in the novel. Are these universal metaphors? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other metaphors that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think Watson chooses the metaphors she does?

3. Discuss Watson's use (or lack ) of literary device (such as foreshadowing, cliffhangers, deux ex machina, etc...), and how they add or detract from the story. Does Watson use too many or too little literary techniques? State which of the five major elements of fiction the literary device is related to (style, character, plot, setting, theme).

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 884 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample