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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 Mr. Scully use for lighting?

2. What does Evie Kimball's father do?

3. Where does Ned get the bronze goat he has in his room?

4. How old is Ned when his mother becomes ill?

5. Where does Hilary want to take Ned?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Ned remember about life before his Mama becomes ill?

2. Who is the current housekeeper in the Wallis family and how does Ned feel about having a housekeeper?

3. What is the first lie Ned has ever told his mama?

4. What disconcerting statement does Mrs. Scallop say about Ned's birthday candles and what does she give Ned for his birthday?

5. What had Ned's father told him about the Daisy air rifle and how does Ned comply?

6. Describe a typical routine for Ned and Mr. Scully when Ned is over there.

7. Briefly describe Evie Kimball and her family.

8. Describe a couple things about Mr. Scully that makes him seem eccentric.

9. Why does Ned feel concerned about his mama and when did this start?

10. With whom do Ned and his father have Sunday dinner and what is served?

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 change in "One-Eyed Cat". Consider the following questions as you write: What characters are most concerned with change? Why? What are some symbols of change? Symbols of rigidity? What characters seem to change the most? The least?

2. Trace and analyze the theme of helplessness/physical illness in "One-Eyed Cat". Which characters have physical infirmities that limit their lives? Who overcomes physical problems? Who does not? How much impact does Ned's mother's illness have on Ned's life?

3. Trace and analyze the theme of death. What kinds of death are there (i.e., physical death, death of a cherished notion; death of a relationship)? How does Ned react to the possible death of the "One-Eyed Cat" when it seems sick? Why do you think he reacts that way? How does Ned react to the death of Mr. Scully? Why does he react that way?

Essay Topic 2

Ned has an acute appreciation for the natural world. This is evidenced by the way the character views his surroundings. Throughout the novel, Ned and the other characters in the story take notice of the weather and the plants and flowers of each season. Discuss the following:

1. How is the nature world presented in "One-Eyed Cat"? Is is hostile? Inviting? Necessary to survival? Appreciated?

2. Discuss three characters and how the natural world impacts their lives. What is each character's attitude towards the natural world? Why do you think each character responds to the natural world the way s/he does?

3. Do you think the natural world would have as much of an impact on a boy going through a similar crisis today as then? Explain fully with examples from the text.

Essay Topic 3

Many novels, including "One-Eyed Cat", end on a happy note. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think many (most?) people want what they perceive as a happy or good ending to a novel? Explain your opinion. Do you? Why or why not?

2. What are three reasons to read fiction? Discuss each one in light of "One-Eyed Cat" and whether or not it fulfills all three, two or one of the reasons you mention. Give examples as to why "One-Eyed Cat" is or is not successful in fulfilling the reasons you discuss.

3. Do you think reading solely for entertainment is as good a reason to read as any other? Why or why not? Can any work of fiction or non-fiction, no matter how poorly written, enlighten, teach, stimulate thought? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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