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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 does Milton inadvertently prove the Bovenders to be lying?

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

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

4. What does Marina do over the next few days?

5. Where is Marina's father raised?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Marina's visit to the opera.

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

3. What does the letter from Dr. Swenson say about Anders Eckman?

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

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

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

7. Why does Marina go into the river and how does she feel about it?

8. Give a synopsis of the conversation between Karen Eckman and Marina that night?

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

10. What does Marina feel about the river?

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

Had it not been for Barbara, however, Anders would likely have perished in the jungle. Swenson's own preoccupation with her own issues could have cost a man his life. Marina's decision to go after Anders is one made of responsibility and dedication, and although Marina knows she will likely perish, she also knows this is the entire reason she came to the jungle. Now clear on her ethical standards, she knows that to leave Anders behind would be impossible for her to live with.

1. Discuss what the above paragraph says to you about Swenson's character. Use examples from the story and your own life to support your answer.

2. Explain why you think Marina is or is not a true heroine. Use examples from the story and your own life to support your answer.

3. Marina seems to think the whole reason she ended up in the jungle was to save Anders. This seems she is saying it was her destiny. Discuss you views on destiny in relation to Marina's idea about the purpose for which she came to the jungle. Use examples from the story and your own life to support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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