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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. How long has this gap between intention and action been going on, as the novel begins?

2. What is Jimmy doing when the novel begins?

3. What do Mama Jean and Crab talk about?

4. How does Crab's arrival change things for Jimmy? He is thrust into a role he has never played. He is no longer free. He has to use all his resources just to keep himself safe. He is constantly in danger and is overwhelmed by it.

5. Why did this person shift the blame to Crab?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the destination of Crab's trip with Jimmy?

2. What does Mama Jean tell Jimmy when he is leaving?

3. What makes Crab nervous when they stop?

4. What does Jimmy do after Crab finds him?

5. Describe Jimmy's departure with Crab.

6. What happens when Jimmy arrives in his classroom?

7. How does Crab explain having been arrested in spite of being innocent?

8. Where does Crab intend to take Jimmy?

9. How does Crab behave when Cookie knocks on the door?

10. What favor does Crab do for Mama Jean?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Is "Somewhere in the Darkness" a quest novel, or just a novel about characters who wander around? In what way is it either one, or both? Does the fact that Crab does not accomplish his mission affect the nature of the book?

Essay Topic 2

What are the different visions of parenthood in "Somewhere in the Darkness", and how do other people's ideas complement or conflict with Crab's method of being a parent? How are parents supposed to act, based on "Somewhere in the Darkness"?

Essay Topic 3

How would you characterize the author's writing style? How is language itself a character in the story? Is it supposed to be transparent, or does the author draw attention to his use of language?

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This section contains 572 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample