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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 David say he does for a long time after his grandparents leave?

2. What question does Len ask Wesley for which Wesley doesn’t know the answer?

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

4. What reason is given to the public for Frank's death?

5. Where does Wesley decide to keep Frank?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. With whom has Wesley talked about the situation concerning Frank? What did he not tell the person?

5. What does David say about the symbolism of the open grave?

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

7. What does Wesley tell Gail and David about why Frank is in the basement?

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Montana 1948 belongs to the young adult novel genre.

1. Define the literary term "genre." Identify three other genres.

2. Why is it advantageous to label a title by genre? Why is it a drawback?

3. What do you think is the difference between a young adult novel and a historical novel?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

The plot of a book includes the events that occur. There can also be subplots within the story.

1. Do all novels have a plot? Why or why not?

2. Write a brief synopsis of the plot of Montana 1948, identifying where the various elements of the plot occur (Exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution or denouement). Do you find it difficult to identify the plot? Why or why not? What about the various elements of the plot?

3. Identify the major sub-plots and their elements in Montana 1948. (The subplots may not contain every element of a major plot). Do the sub-plots add to the main plot? Explain. Are the sub-plots interesting in and of themselves? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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