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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. For what has Len been known in years past?

2. What does Julian say about Frank and the reservation?

3. What does Gloria talk about at the dinner table?

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

5. What has David's grandmother told him that makes it difficult for David to sleep the night of Marie's death?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What does Wesley begin investigating?

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

4. What does David recall about when he was ill and staying with Frank and Gloria?

5. Gail wishes that her family lived where?

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

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

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

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

10. Why do Wesley and Frank believe Marie wants Gail in the room when Frank examines Marie?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Titles often play a role in persuading a person to read a particular book.

1. Explain why you think Montana 1948 is titled as such. Do you think it is the best title for the book? Why or why not? Can you think of a better title? Why would you choose it?

2. How important is a title in influencing you to consider reading a book? Explain your answer.

3. Do you think a title needs to have direct relevance to a book's content? Explain your answer.

4. Have you ever finished reading a book and questioned why it was given its title? Does it discourage you from "trusting" that particular author again?

Essay Topic 2

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.

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)

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