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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 Gary do when he introduces himself to Sally?

2. For what do the townspeople think Maria was the reason?

3. Who gives Kylie a picture of Maria Owens for her birthday?

4. What does the letter from Tucson say?

5. Of what is Kylie certain when Gideon tells her about his mother's plans?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens that causes Ben to talk about fate to Gillian?

2. What does Kylie feel about going to her aunts that summer?

3. What do the aunts do when their concoction is ready and what do their actions help?

4. What does Sally do to find Gary and what does she do when she finds where he is staying?

5. What do Sally and Gillian learn about Irene and how does this make them feel?

6. What does Kylie receive from her aunts for her birthday and what happens after it is in the house?

7. What does Sally think about and how does she feel while waiting for Gary?

8. What do Kylie and Antonia see in the backyard, what does Gillian tell them to do and what does Kylie tell Gillian about Jimmy's ring?

9. What happens to Kylie on the way to Gideon's house?

10. What were the rumors about Maria and why did they start?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There are a number of interesting questions raised by "Practical Magic". Questions that Hoffman most likely want readers to consider and think through carefully. Discuss the following:

1. What does the term "author agenda" mean?

2. Name one idea/concept you think may have been a part of the Hoffman's agenda. Analyze that idea throughout the book and discuss Hoffman's probable agenda concerning that idea.

2. Do you think writers who have an agenda for writing should point it out in a preface?

3. How often do you think fiction is written with a clear agenda in mind by the author?

4. Research the life of Hoffman and if/where his life may have influenced his writing.

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

The fact that Gillian is being hard on herself makes Sally become a little kinder to her. In the next part of this chapter Antonia and Kylie also have a moment which draws them closer together. Each horrible event that has happened in the book eventually is the basis for something positive that happens to the family, including the death of Jimmy.

1. Do you think Gillian has good reasons to be disgusted with herself? Why or why not? What are some of the reasons Gillian uses to justify disliking herself. Use examples from "Practical Magic" and your own life to support your answer.

2. Why do you think adversity tends to bring people together? Discuss the reasons for this with examples.

3. Do you think something good can always come out of something negative? Why or why not? Use examples from "Practical Magic" and your own life to support your answer.

(see the answer keys)

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