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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 Ned's father not understand about Mr. Kimball?

2. What is Powerful Katinka?

3. In what decades is the novel set?

4. What kind of potatoes does Mrs. Brewster serve?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Ned think his father would react if he knew about Ned taking the rifle out late at night and shooting it, contrary to Mr. Willis' orders?

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

3. Briefly describe Evie Kimball and her family.

4. What is the date and location of the setting for "One-Eyed Cat", and what is the significance of the time period?

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

6. Where was Ned's favorite place to walk when he was very young?

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

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

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

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 the following:

1. What is a plot? What are the most important elements of a plot and their definition? Do all novels have a plot? Why or why not?

2. Write a brief synopsis of the plot of "One-Eyed Cat", 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 "One-Eyed Cat". (They may not contain every element of a major plot). Do the sub-plots add to the main plot? Why or why not. Are the sub-plots interesting in and of themselves? Why or why not.

4. Many writers and critics say there are only a few plots in the world of fiction; it's what an author does with a plot that distinguishes a mediocre book from an outstanding book. Respond to this idea, using examples from "One-Eyed Cat" and other books you have read.

Essay Topic 2

Over the course of the story, Ned grows as a person in both complexity and understanding. "One-Eyed Cat" might be considered a slice of Ned's larger story of his "coming of age." It might be said that the story is a "bildungsroman" of Ned Willis. Discuss the following:

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

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

3. After thoroughly analyzing Ned's growth throughout the book, do you think "One-Eyed Cat" could be considered Ned's Coming of Age story? Why or why not?

4. Are there any other characters in "One-Eyed Cat" who go through a Coming of Age experience? Who? Why do you think so?

Essay Topic 3

Ned is an only child, as contrasted to his friend, Evelyn Kimball, who has several siblings. Discuss the following:

1. Research the theory of how birth order impacts the personality development of a person. Relate your research to Ned's life and personality in "One-Eyed Cat".

2. Compare/contrast Evelyn Kimball to Ned as regard their birth order and the number of siblings they each have (or do not have). Do you think the differences between the two characters can be partially accounted for because of their birth order and/or number of children in their families? Explain fully.

3. Write an essay comparing your personality to that of Ned's and theorize as to whether you think the similarities and/or differences of your birth orders and sibling numbers have anything to do with your similarities and/or differences.

(see the answer keys)

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