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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. Why does the house seem quiet to David?

2. What is Dr. Hayden's diagnosis of Marie's illness?

3. Upon what does Marie insist when Frank is there?

4. What does David say about his father's work gun?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is it difficult for David to enjoy his outings at the bowling alley?

2. Why have Wesley and Gail not had more children?

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

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

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

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

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

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

9. Who is Marie's boyfriend?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The plot of a book includes the events that occur. There can also be subplots within the story.

1. Do all novels have a plot? Why or why not?

2. Write a brief synopsis of the plot of Montana 1948, identifying where the various elements of the plot occur (Exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution or denouement). Do you find it difficult to identify the plot? Why or why not? What about the various elements of the plot?

3. Identify the major sub-plots and their elements in Montana 1948. (The subplots may not contain every element of a major plot). Do the sub-plots add to the main plot? Explain. Are the sub-plots interesting in and of themselves? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss one of the following:

1. Trace and analyze the theme of growth in Montana 1948. Consider the following questions as you write: What characters are most concerned with growth? Why? What are some symbols of growth? Symbols of rigidity? What characters seem rigid?

2. Trace and analyze the theme of justice in Montana 1948. Which characters struggle with this issue? Why? Which characters encourage justice? Which characters ignore justice? How is justice finally resolved?

3. Trace and analyze the theme of prejudice in Montana 1948. Who is prejudice? How is that prejudice shown? What symbols does Watson use to represent prejudice? How is prejudice shown in a subtle way? Overtly?

Essay Topic 3

Characters are an important part of what makes Montana 1948 interesting.

1. Thoroughly discuss and analyze David. What are his strengths? His weaknesses? How does he contribute to the plot? Is he a sympathetic character? Is he always likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

2. Thoroughly discuss and analyze Wesley. What are his strengths? His weaknesses? How does he contribute to the plot? Is he a sympathetic character? Is he always likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

3. Thoroughly discuss and analyze the character of Frank. What are his strengths? His weaknesses? How does he contribute to the plot? Is he a sympathetic character? Is he ever likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

4. Thoroughly discuss and analyze Gail. What are her strengths? Her weaknesses? How does she contribute to the plot? Is she a sympathetic character? Is she ever likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

(see the answer keys)

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