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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 chose the interns who accompanied Dr. Rapp?

2. Why is Dr. Swenson angry with Barbara?

3. What does Marina notice on many of the crates on the boat?

4. How old does Marina realize Dr. Swenson is?

5. What are two characteristics that Nancy points out about Dr. Rapp?

Short Essay Questions

1. What has Marina been doing since performing the C section, and what does she want to do?

2. Why does Marina go into the jungle every day and what does she wonder about her doing so?

3. How does Swenson say Dr. Rapp would react to a ill or injured tribal member?

4. What does Easter do that upsets Marina and how does Swenson react?

5. What else are the Martins good for besides fertility inducement?

6. What is Swenson's philosophy about intervention in the lives of the tribes?

7. What does Marina learn about the Martins and Rapps?

8. What is said about Dr. Rapp during the boat trip?

9. Who does Marina write' how is the letter to be posted, and what letters does Easter keep giving her?

10. What awakens Marina during the night and what does she do?

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

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.

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,035 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample