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. What does Mama tell Ned about her arthritis?

2. Where does Ned go to visit?

3. What does Ned find as he sits at his secret place and looks out at the countryside?

4. To whom does Ned apologize?

5. After Ned apologizes and goes to his room, about what does he worry?

Short Essay Questions

1. What do Ned and his mother see playing by the light of the moon and then what arrives?

2. What does Ned bring down from the attic and what is inside it?

3. Where is Mr. Scully taken and what is probably wrong with him?

4. What will Mr. Willis start doing for Mr. Scully and why?

5. What happens on the first day December and what does Ned see?

6. What does Mama tell Ned about something she did when Ned was three?

7. Why does Ned stop at Mr. Scully's house and what does he find?

8. Where is one place Uncle Hilary suggests he and Ned might want to visit on Christmas break?

9. What does Ned learn about the Makepeace mansion?

10. What does Mr. Scully say to Ned about the one-eyed cat?

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)

This section contains 1,077 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample