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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 Milton?

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

3. How old is Fox?

4. What hobby made Anders want to go to the jungle?

5. Why does Milton take Marina to his brother-in-law's store?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How does Easter seem when he sees Marina and why did Milton bring Easter along?

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

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

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

6. What does Marina feel about the river?

7. What do Marina and the Bovenders discuss concerning Anders Eckman?

8. Who is Anders Eckman and what does Marina just learn about him?

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

10. Who is Mr. Fox and how does he react to the news about Anders Eckman?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Often, authors will write about "what they know," and sometimes knowing a little about the author makes the books more interesting. Discuss the following:

1. Research and give a brief biographical sketch of Ann Patchett.

2. What in Patchett's background may have helped him in writing State of Wonder? What may have influenced the way he depicts various characters and scenes?

3. Do you think there is always some of the author's own life in his/her novels? Why or why not? Give examples.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss one of the following:

1. Thoroughly analyze how the setting informs the plot in State of Wonder.

2. Trace and analyze one major theme of State of Wonder. How is the theme represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

3. Trace and analyze two secondary themes of State of Wonder. How are the themes represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

Essay Topic 3

Marina finds the courage to explain about Anders death. Mr. Fox, unable to deal with the emotional situation, says little, although he does comfort Karen. The two leave, and Marina, quite upset that she was forced to tell Karen instead of Fox, asks to be taken back to her car.

1. Why do you think Mr. Fox made Marina tell Karen about Anders death when he was Anders boss? Use examples from the story to support your answer.

2. Do you think Marina was right to get angry at Mr. Fox for not doing his job? Why or why not? Use examples from the story to support your answer.

3. Discuss what you would do if you had to tell someone their spouse was dead. Use examples from the story and your own life to support your answer.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,031 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample