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This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Guthrie ask Maggie when he phones her?

2. What does Tom do about the horse?

3. What are the boys forbidden to do at their aunt's house?

4. What does Harold ask Victoria after dinner?

5. What does the man at Victoria's work claim to have in his car?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The source of Russell's tendency for inappropriate behavior is obvious. With parents who lash out in vulgar tirades it is little wonder that Russell sees bullying and violence as acceptable behavior.

1. In light of the above statement discuss the saying: The apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Use examples from the text to support your answer.

2. Do you think Russell's behavior should be excused in view of what type of people his parents seem to be? Why or why not?

3. Discuss why Russell's behavior seems to reflect his parents. Use examples from the text to support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss one of the following:

1. Trace and analyze the theme of change. 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 rigid?

2. Trace and analyze the theme of mental/emotional illness. Which characters struggle with some sort of emotional illness? Why? Which characters seem really healthy emotionally/mentally? Why?

3. Trace and analyze the theme of death. How did the death of Ike and Bobby's horse affect them? What about Mrs. Stearns? How was their reaction to both deaths similar and different?

4. Discuss why Ella Guthrie moving to Denver was a type of death for the Guthrie family. Use examples from the book to illustrate your discussion.

Essay Topic 3

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 Plainsong, 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 (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.

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This section contains 499 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample