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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. Where does David find his parents when he goes downstairs?

2. What did Mel Paddock think when Wesley gave him the name of the suspect?

3. For whom does David cry that night in bed?

4. For what crime does Wesley say there is evidence that Frank committed?

5. What is the cause of Wesley's death?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

7. What does Wesley do after coming out of the basement and talking to Frank?

8. Why does David go down to the basement, and what does he observe?

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

10. What happens to Wesley?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Many readers of fiction place themselves in the position of one character, wondering if they would do the same thing as that character.

1. Do you think one of the values of literature is that is serves as a reflection of oneself? Why or why not?

2. Socrates said "Know thyself." How can reading a book such as Montana 1948 help a reader to know him/herself? Do you find yourself reflecting on your own character and abilities when reading Montana 1948? Use examples from Montana 1948 and your own life to support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

Over the course of Montana 1948, David grows as a person in both complexity and understanding. Montana 1948 might be considered a slice of David's larger story of his "coming of age." It might be said that Montana 1948 is a "bildungsroman" of David Hayden.

1. Define Bildungsroman, or "Coming of Age," and give several examples from literature you have read.

2. Trace and analyze the character of David as he changes from a more carefree, innocent boy to a wiser, young man. What are the significant events that change David?

3. After thoroughly analyzing David's growth throughout Montana 1948, do you think Montana 1948 could be considered David's Coming of Age story? Why or why not?

4. Are there any other characters in Montana 1948 who go through a Coming of Age experience? If so, identify the character and explain their Coming of Age experience.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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