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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's grandfather give David to take on his ride?

2. What does Wesley offer Frank when he comes over to the house?

3. What does David believe he feels?

4. What does Gail say about the winds of Montana?

5. Why does Wesley tell Gail and David what he did?

Short Essay Questions

1. When David talks to Marie about her cough, what is she adamant about not doing?

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

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

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

5. What does David tell Gail when she comes home for lunch, and what is Gail's response?

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

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

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

9. What does David note about the conversation between Frank and Wesley, which David observes from afar?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Wesley and Gail are obviously at odds, though it doesn't seem to be an all-out fight. The situation is bound to be difficult for Wesley who is torn between the righteous anger of his wife and the fact that his brother is probably guilty of several rapes and sexual assaults.

1. Discuss the reasons Wesley and Gail are at odds. Use examples from Montana 1948 and your own life to support your answer.

2. What might be difficult for David about his parents’ situation? Use examples from Montana 1948 and your own life to support your answer.

3. Do you think Wesley would have handled the situation with Frank if it had been someone he did not know? Why or why not? Use examples from Montana 1948 and your own life to support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

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).

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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