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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. About what does Ned ask Mrs. Kinball?

2. What does Ned dream of for the next few days?

3. What is missing from the yard at Mr. Scully's house?

4. How are Mama's treatments working?

5. To whom does Ned apologize?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Ned learn from Mama about Mrs. Scallop and Mr. Scully?

2. What changes take place for the Kimball family?

3. What does Ned's father notice as Ned and he are trimming the Christmas tree and what happens?

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

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

6. What changes does Ned find at Mr. Scully's home one day?

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

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

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

10. What does Ned admit to Mr. Scully and what does Ned believe is the elderly man's response?

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

Titles often play a vital role in making a person decide to read a particular book. Discuss the following:

1. Fully explain why you think "One-Eyed Cat" is titled as such. Do you think it is the best title for the book? Why or why not? Can you think of a better title? Why would you choose it?

2. How important is a title in influencing you to consider reading a book? Explain your answer.

3. Do you think a title needs to have direct relevance to a book's content? Explain your answer.

4. Have you ever read a book that when you finished, you do not understand the relevance of the title? Does it discourage you from "trusting" that particular author again?

Essay Topic 3

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?

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