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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 Wesley reluctantly tell Julian about Frank's crimes?

2. What does Wesley say he's going to do after taking breakfast down to Frank?

3. What symbolism does David observe at the graveside services?

4. How does Wesley feel about what happened in Montana?

5. Where is Wesley going to have Frank moved?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does David think his father has been crying?

2. What does Frank ask Wesley about before they go to the basement?

3. What reason does Wesley give for withdrawing from the Sheriff's election?

4. What was the overriding reason for the move to North Dakota?

5. Why does David decline to visit Brentrock later in his life?

6. What is the story circulating about Frank's death?

7. What does Wesley make it a point of to tell Gail and Wesley?

8. Why does David's family not attend Marie's funeral?

9. What does Gail urge Wesley to do concerning Gloria?

10. Who probably knows the truth about Frank's death and what does David think the person will do?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Foreshadowing is used in almost all works of fiction.

1. What is foreshadowing? How many incidences of foreshadowing are in Montana 1948? How does foreshadowing contribute to a book's suspense?

2. Discuss an example of foreshadowing in Montana 1948 including why you believe it is foreshadowing. Include examples from the book and your own life to illustrate your answer.

3. How do you think most people react to uncertainty in their lives? Use examples from Montana 1948 and your own live to support your opinion.

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

Many novels end on a happy note.

1. Why do you think most people want a happy ending to a novel? Do you look forward to a happy resolution in each book that you read?

2. What are three reasons to read fiction? Which of those reasons are fulfilled by Montana 1948? Give textual support for your answer.

3. Do you think that reading solely for entertainment is a worthy reason for reading? Is it as worthy as searching for deep meaning between the book's covers? Can any work of fiction or non-fiction, no matter how poorly written, enlighten perspective, teach lessons, or stimulate thought? Justify your opinions.

(see the answer keys)

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