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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. What does Ben do for sick children?

2. What do Sally and Gillian often have together?

3. Why does Sallie take the job she has?

4. How does Gillian appear when Sally sees her?

5. Where were the people who died in a fire?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Irene want the aunts to undo what they did for her and what do they do to her when they tell her they can't?

2. Who does Sally marry, what children does she have and what are those children like?

3. What has Sally been dreaming about having to do with Jimmy and how is she feeling towards Gillian and Kylie?

4. How does Sally figure out that Kylie will never be normal?

5. What does Kylie see in the back yard and what ability does she have and what problems does her ability cause?

6. What does Gillian tell Sally about her boyfriend, Jimmy?

7. Where do Sally and Gillian go to live and why?

8. Why does Gillian leave the aunts' home and what does she tell Sally?

9. How old are Antonia and Kylie at the beginning of Premonitions and how do they get along?

10. Why is Kylie looking forward to her birthday and how does Antonia feel about being beautiful?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There is a group of signs that present themselves to Sally foreshadowing the coming trouble, but Sally has a rational explanation for all of them.

1. What is foreshadowing? What did Sally see that would be considered foreshadowing? Why? Include examples from "Practical Magic" and your own life to illustrate your answer.

2. Discuss another example of foreshadowing in "Practical Magic" including why you believe it is foreshadowing. Include examples from the book and your own life to illustrate your answer.

3. How do you think most people react to uncertainty in their lives? Use examples from "Practical Magic" and your own live to support your opinion.

Essay Topic 2

Choose one of the following to discuss:

1. Choose two significant symbols and trace and analyze their appearance in "Practical Magic". Are these universal symbols? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other symbols that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think Hoffman chooses the symbols she does?

2. Choose two important metaphors and trace and analyze their appearance in the novel. Are these universal metaphors? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other metaphors that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think Hoffman chooses the metaphors she does?

3. Discuss Hoffman's use (or lack ) of literary device (such as foreshadowing, cliff hangers, deux ex machina, etc.), and how they add or detract from the story. Does Hoffman use too many or too little literary techniques? State which of the five major elements of fiction the literary device is related to (style, character, plot, setting, theme).

Essay Topic 3

Gillian and Sally are ostracized in school because it is believed their family consist of witches. The children will not play with the girls and the parents are prejudiced also. Ironically, the mothers still come to the aunts for love portions.

1. What is irony? (This may need research). How is the situation with the aunts and the mothers of the children an example of irony?

2. Discuss one other example in this book that is ironic and tell why you believe the situation is ironic. Include examples from the book and your own life to illustrate your answer.

3. Do you think it is wrong for the mothers to use the aunts? Why or why not? Include examples from Practical Magic and your own life to illustrate your answer.

(see the answer keys)

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