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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. With whom does David's family spend the winter?

2. Who runs for Sheriff of Mercer County?

3. What does Gail ask Wesley to find out from Marie's family?

4. What does Wesley do concerning his job?

5. Who is Dale Paris?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. When does David say the family decides to leaves Montana?

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

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

6. What does David say about his father's work load?

7. What does David believe about the aftermath of Frank's suicide?

8. What does Gail want Wesley to find out concerning Marie's funeral and why does she want to know this?

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

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

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

Oftentimes, a book has more of a character-driven plot rather than action driven, and oftentimes the other way. Some books seem to balance the two.

1. What do you think it means to say that a plot is character driven? Action driven?

2. How do you think a plot differs if it is character driven versus action driven?

3. Which type of plot do you find more interesting? Why?

4. Do you think it is possible to have a plot where action and character development share equal time? Why or why not.

5. What type of plot do you think Montana 1948 is? Explain your response.

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)

This section contains 837 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample