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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 is Hank doing at the river?

2. Where does Stokes watch the funeral?

3. What does Indian Jenny say will decide Henry's fate?

4. What does the fight end for Tommy?

5. What crushes Hank's arm?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Lee realize as he watches his brother fight and beat up Biggy?

2. Summarize the novel

3. Describe the prologue that opens Chapter 9.

4. What is Willard's mistress' plan to continue their relationship?

5. What is Hank's reason for not putting an end to the strike?

6. In what way does Hank show that he is losing control?

7. Describe Willard's phone call to Hank.

8. How does Hank react to Willard's death?

9. Summarize the prologue that opens Chapter 11.

10. Describe Hank's time at the Snag.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Look at the structure of the novel.

1) How does Kesey use character and dialogue to drive the narrative?

2) Discuss elements of the narrative structure: exposition, conflict, complication, climax, resolution and conclusion. Do all the elements make for a logical and linear story? How does the story's structure express the novel's themes?

3) Away from the main characters, Hank and Lee, examine the way Kesey uses the other characters in the story. When does he introduce and take them away from the story? What effect does it have on the story? What effect do they have on the main characters?

Essay Topic 2

Examine the novel's dialogue. How does Kesey's dialogue contribute to the following areas:

1) Character

2) Setting

3) Plot

Essay Topic 3

Discuss whether you think this statement is true or false: "Sometimes a Great Notion supports individuality over the community." Use two examples from the novel to support your argument.

(see the answer keys)

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