View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does David cling to a memory about practicing an activity?

2. What does Wesley ask David to do concerning Gail?

3. Where is Wesley going to have Frank moved?

4. How does David feel about Frank's death?

5. What does Wesley do as he comes into the kitchen?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Wesley tell David to do if there is any trouble?

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

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

4. Why does Wesley not tell David what is going on with Frank right away?

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

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

7. How does Julian respond to the situation about Frank?

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

9. What changes David's view about the aftermath of Frank's suicide?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

David will come to believe that his uncle Frank is the entire problem. He needs to realize that his grandfather's attitude about Frank is a problem, too.

1. Discuss reasons you think David believes all the problems of the family is the fault of Frank. Use examples from Montana 1948 and your own life to support your answer.

2. Discuss the reasons that much of the dysfunction in the Hayden family originates from Julian. Use examples from Montana 1948 and your own life to support your answer.

3. What are some of the ways Julian could have changed the way he raised Frank that might have kept his son from being the adult he becomes? Use examples from Montana 1948 and your own life to support your answer.

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)

This section contains 896 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample