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. What does Didion write about in this essay?

2. What is this essay about?

3. Which member of Didion's family went to Hawaii during the war?

4. What does Didiion say increases in society when the winds are about to blow?

5. What is the title of this essay?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Didion think of Newport Beach?

2. How do the scientists think the Santa Ana winds work to cause psychological changes?

3. Summarize the book.

4. Describe the accident in the mountains.

5. Describe Didion's upbringing in Sacramento.

6. Describe Didion's time in Guaymas.

7. Describe Alcatraz Island as depicted in this essay.

8. Why is Hawaii important to Didion?

9. Why is Didion finding Los Angeles depressing in this essay?

10. In what way does Newport Beach disappoint Didion?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The essays are mostly set in California.

1) What meaning does California bring to the essays?

2) How different do you think today's California is from the California in the novel? How do you think the book's meaning would change if it were set in today's California?

Essay Topic 2

Choose one of the famous people Didion portrays in the book and examine his/her life. How does Didion represent him or her in the essay? Is this an accurate representation of this person?

Essay Topic 3

Using two sources outside of the book, write a critical essay on one of Didion's own essays. Do you agree or disagree with central themes of her work? Support your answer.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 669 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample