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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 does Dr. Rapp research in the Amazon basin?

2. How is Dr. Swenson's apartment described?

3. What does Karen say when she calls Marina at Marina's home?

4. What does Marina do when she gets home and Fox is there?

5. Who is tall, tan and blond?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Marina's visit to the opera.

2. What does Milton say to Marina about the Bovenders?

3. What does Marina deduce about Dr. Swenson and the Lakashi tribe?

4. What does Marina do when Barbara show her Dr. Swenson's mailbox?

5. What happens when Marina and Fox go to talk with Karen Eckman?

6. What does Karen say to Marina when Marina stops by to say goodbye?

7. Describe Marina's parents.

8. What does Marina think of Swenson's apartment and why does the doctor maintain it?

9. What do the Bovenders argue concerning Swenson and Vogel?

10. What did Mr. Fox explain to Marina about the Lakashi women?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There are a number of interesting questions raised by State of Wonder. Questions that Patchett 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 Patchett' agenda. Analyze that idea throughout the book and discuss Patchett' 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 Patchett and see if/where his life may have influenced his writing.

Essay Topic 2

Many novels, and perhaps a majority, of novels ends on a happy note. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think many (most?) people want what they perceive as a happy or good ending to a novel? Explain your opinion. Do you? Why or why not?

2. What are three reasons to read fiction? Discuss each one in light of State of Wonder and whether or not it fulfills all three, two or one of the reasons you mention. Give examples as to why State of Wonder is or is not successful in fulfilling the reasons you discuss.

3. Do you think reading solely for entertainment is as good a reason to read as any other? Why or why not? Can any work of fiction or non-fiction, no matter how poorly written, enlighten, teach, stimulate thought? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Titles often play a vital role in making a person decide to read a particular book. Discuss the following:

1. Fully explain why you think State of Wonder is titled as such. Do you think it is the best title for the book? Why or why not? Can you think of a better title? Why would you choose it?

2. How important is a title in influencing you to consider reading a book? Explain your answer.

3. Do you think a title needs to have direct relevance to a book's content? Explain your answer.

4. Have you ever read a book that when you finished, you do not understand the relevance of the title? Does it discourage you from "trusting" that particular author again?

(see the answer keys)

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