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This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does the snow first tell Paul to do in Part 4?

2. What does Paul avoid during his examination?

3. How is the floor described in Part 4?

4. What does the snow encourage Paul to do as his parents and the doctor are waiting for his response?

5. How are the doctor's eyelids as he questions Paul?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Analyze the setting of the story and the total length of time that transpires during it. Explain why Aiken chose this setting and time, including examples from from the story to illustrate the ways they both enhance it.

Essay Topic 2

Part 1 begins with an allusion to a secret that is not identified.

1) Describe how the secret is first introduced, the analogies Paul uses to present it, and the effect it has on his life in general.

2) Explain why the author does not reveal what the secret is immediately. What is the purpose behind giving its features and showing the results of it first? How does learning about the secret's effect on Paul before knowing its identity add to its impact?

Essay Topic 3

Describe the character of Deirdre. What do her character traits represent for Paul? Why does she try to get his attention? What does his response indicate? In general, how does Deirdre illustrate Paul's disconnect with the world he knows? Why is that important to the theme of the story?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 271 words (approx. 1 page at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample