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. Why does Beth advise John to leave immediately for Manhattan?

2. How old is Tobin's housekeeper?

3. Where does John eat lunch in Chapter 27?

4. Why isn't Beth able to interview Donna Alba?

5. What lie does John tell Mrs. Wiley about Beth in Chapter 17?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Why has Beth come to visit John in Chapter 24?

3. After the Gordons' bodies were examined, what were some clues that they were doing something manual before their deaths?

4. Describe the appearance of Fredric Tobin.

5. Describe the appearance of Edgar Murphy.

6. While he is out to dinner with Emma, what does John spend the evening contemplating?

7. After Beth and Emma have coffee together in Chapter 24, what is the mood of both women?

8. Describe the inside decor of the Murphy home.

9. How does John trick Stevens into coming back to his house in Connecticut?

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

In Plum Island, in many ways regarding their personality and method of doing things, Beth serves as the character foil to John Coery. Use specific examples from the book to illustrate how their characterizations are in antithesis to each other and how these characterizations are strengthened when shown in contrast with each other.

Essay Topic 2

In Plum Island, DeMille highlights several different strong female figures who go outside of the norm of typical gender roles; for example, Beth and Emma. Using at least two main characters from the novel, discuss what commentary DeMille is making about gender roles.

Essay Topic 3

Throughout Plum Island, there are several journeys made both on sea and by land by different characters. Discuss at least two specific journeys and how they could be viewed as extended metaphors for character development of the characters who undertake these journeys.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 751 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample