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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 Tobin tries to ram their boat, what does Beth do?

2. On what date does John tell Emma his divorce becomes final?

3. What is the name of the casino where Tobin is rumored to have lost his money?

4. Where does John drive to first, in Chapter 19?

5. What is the name of Tobin's current girlfriend?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Fredric Tobin's winery that John visits in Chapter 16.

2. What unique item does John find at Tobin's apartment that leads him to believe Tobin planned to bury the treasure on his land all along?

3. Describe the appearance of Emma Whitestone.

4. Why is Tobin's housekeeper so frightened when Beth and John arrive?

5. What injuries does John inflict upon Tobin in Chapter 36?

6. What convinces John that Stevens is part of the plot to assassinate the Gordons?

7. What does Beth discuss with Dom in Chapter 30?

8. How does John gain entry into Tobin's place of work and apartment?

9. When John sees Beth again in Chapter 38, how does he feel about her?

10. What dangers do John and Beth face out at sea in Chapter 34?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is DeMille's writing style? Discuss both the mechanical aspect of his writing and his "voice" throughout the novel. Make sure and discuss what literary tools and devices he relies on most and what specific parts of the text reflect his voice.

Essay Topic 2

The theme of the pursuit of power is central to the novel, Plum Island. Many important characters are pursuing power through wealth, position, and through knowledge. Discuss how DeMille's view on the pursuit of power is relevant to human nature and seen in society today.

Essay Topic 3

One recurrent theme in Plum Island is that of authority, those who blindly follow it, and others who defy it. Using specific textual examples, compare and contrast at least two approaches or attitudes toward authority as demonstrated by specific characters.

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This section contains 715 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample