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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. When does James say Ned can have his present?

2. Why is James Willis upset with Hilary?

3. What did Ned feel on the day of the visit with his father years ago that he felt when he went out in the night?

4. In what country does Hilary buy a butterfly enclosed in glass?

5. What does Evelyn Kimball say she saw when Ned and his friends are talking?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Mrs. Scallop upset Ned about his birth and what does his mother say about it?

2. What confuses Ned about Mrs. Scallop?

3. What animal do Ned and Mr. Scully watch from the window and what does Ned do for the animal?

4. Describe Ned Wallis.

5. What has Ned noticed about Mrs. Scallop's underlying emotion and of whom does she remind Ned?

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

7. To whom does Ned deliver mail and a newspaper every day and why does Ned do so?

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

9. Why does the Wallis family gather downstairs during the night?

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

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

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?

Essay Topic 3

Characters are an important part of what makes "One-Eyed Cat" interesting. Discuss the following "good" characters:

1. Thoroughly discuss and analyze Ned Willis. What are his strengths? His weaknesses? How does he contribute to the plot? Is he a sympathetic character? Is he always likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

2. Thoroughly discuss and analyze Mr. Scully. What are his strengths? His weaknesses? How does he contribute to the plot? Is he a sympathetic character? Is he always likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

3. Thoroughly discuss and analyze two secondary characters of your choice. What are his/her strengths? Weaknesses? How does s/he contribute to the plot? Is s/he a sympathetic character? Is s/he always likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

(see the answer keys)

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