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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. Who is Anders Eckman?

2. How does Marina feel in Manaus?

3. What does Fox want to do?

4. Why does Milton lead Marina into the water?

5. About what do the Bovenders say Dr. Swenson is not at fault?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who else shops at the store where Milton takes Marina and what does Marina wonder about the other foreigners?

2. How does Dr. Swenson react when she realizes Marina intends to come to the jungle with her?

3. Describe Marina's visit to the opera.

4. What does Fox explain about Dr. Swenson?

5. Describe the conversation at the cafe between Marina and Dr. Swenson about Anders.

6. What does Marina begin taking in preparation for travel to Brazil and what does Karen remember in relation to Lariam?

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

8. Who is Milton and how does he help Marina when she lands in Manaus?

9. How does Milton inadvertently prove the Bovenders to be lying to Marina?

10. Who are the Bovenders and where does Marina encounter them?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Many readers of fiction place themselves in the position of one character, wondering if they would do the same thing as that character. Discuss the following:

1. Do you think one of the values of literature is to serve as a reflection of oneself? Why or why not?

2. Socrates said "Know thyself." How can reading a book such as State of Wonder help a reader to know him/herself? Do you find yourself reflecting on your own character and abilities when reading State of Wonder? Why or why not.

3. Choose one specific incident in State of Wonder to discuss and compare one of the characters' response to how you think you would respond.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the following:

1. Who is/are the protagonists of the story and why?

2. Who is/are the antagonists of the story and why?

3. Which 3 secondary characters have the greatest impact on the plot?

4. Are any of the characters dispensable and which ones? Why or why not?

5. Do you think this is a character-driven plot or an action-driven plot? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

1. What is foreshadow? How many incidences of foreshadow are in State of Wonder? How does foreshadow contribute to a book's suspense?

2. Discuss an example of foreshadow in State of Wonder including why you believe it is foreshadow. Include examples from the book and your own life to illustrate your answer.

3. How do you think most people react to uncertainty in their lives? Use examples from State of Wonder and your own live to support your opinion.

(see the answer keys)

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