3. What does Robert want when he comes up to the table where Nissa, Christopher, and Sarah are sitting? What does Christopher say is odd about Robert's behavior lately?

4. Why does Sarah think it is fortunate that Christopher and Nissa are strong, but then what makes her realize that is convoluted thinking?

5. Why can't Sarah become friends with Christopher and Nissa?

6. Describe the argument and counter-argument between Sarah and Christopher.

7. How does Sarah know she's in the right place when she arrives at Nikolas's house?

8. What event is Sarah's family celebrating? Why do they celebrate it?

9. What had happened to Christine?

10. Describe Sarah's encounter with Nikolas.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 Shattered Mirror, 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 in Shattered Mirror. (The subplots 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?

Essay Topic 2

There are a number of interesting questions raised by Shattered Mirror. Questions that Atwater-Rhodes 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 Atwater-Rhodes' agenda. Analyze that idea throughout the book and discuss Atwater-Rhodes' 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 Atwater-Rhodes and see if/where her life may have influenced her writing.

Essay Topic 3

Oftentimes, a book has more of a character-driven plot rather than action driven, and oftentimes the other way. Some books seem to balance the two. Discuss the following:

1. What do you think it means to say that a plot is character driven? Action driven?

2. How do you think the characters differ if a book is character driven versus action driven?

3. Which type of plot do you find more interesting? Why?

4. Do you think it is possible to have a plot where action and character development share equal time? Why or why not.

5. Explain the plot in Shattered Mirror. What type of plot is it?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,178 words
(approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page)

View a FREE sample