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

2. How are the Lakashi characterized as far as study subjects?

3. Who drives the boat that carries Dr. Swenson?

4. What can Marina not find?

5. What does Swenson almost do on the trail?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What does the tribe do occasionally when they go into the deep jungle and what does Swenson say about it?

3. Who does Marina meet at the docks the next morning and where does he take her?

4. What does Swenson tell Marina about Easter?

5. Why is Dr. Nkomo in Brazil?

6. What does Marina observe when she accompanies Dr. Buni and Nancy to the fertility trees?

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

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

9. What does Marina find in her quarters?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Characters are an integral and important part of almost all novels. Discuss the following:

1. Compare/contrast the characters of Marina and Dr. Swenson. How are they similar? How are they different? Is there a flaw in each of their personalities? Be specific and give examples.

2. Compare/contrast the characters of Anders and Jim Fox. How do they seem different? Which do you like more? Why? Which one seems more of a well-rounded character?

3. Thoroughly analyze how three of the secondary characters in State of Wonder help drive the plot and what their contribution is to the storyline. Are any of the secondary characters unnecessary? Indispensable? Which of the secondary characters are likable? Which are either unlikable or even despicable? Be specific and give examples.

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

Choose one of the following to discuss:

1. Choose two significant symbols and trace and analyze their appearance in State of Wonder. Are these universal symbols? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other symbols that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think Patchett chooses the symbols he does?

2. Choose two important metaphors and trace and analyze their appearance in the novel. Are these universal metaphors? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other metaphors that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think Patchett chooses the metaphors she does?

3. Discuss Patchett's use (or lack ) of literary device (such as foreshadowing, clifthangers, deux ex machina, etc...), and how they add or detract from the story. Does Patchett use too many or too little literary techniques? State which of the five major elements of fiction the literary device is related to (style, character, plot, setting, theme).

(see the answer keys)

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