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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. Where has Easter started sleeping?

2. What does Marina think Swenson is implying when talking about Anders?

3. What is Nkomo studying?

4. What else besides fertility do the trees affect?

5. From what condition is Dr. Swenson suffering?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Dr. Nkomo in Brazil?

2. How does Marina save Easter's life?

3. What does Swenson do immediately upon arriving and who helps Marina?

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

5. How does Marina feels as the boat pulls up to the dock where the Lakashi are and how do they greet the arrivals?

6. What is the situation with Swenson's pregnancy?

7. Why does Marina perform surgery and how does it go?

8. What happens during the siesta that makes Swenson dump Marina on the deck?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the following:

1. What is a plot? What are the most important elements of a plot and their definition? Do all novels have a plot? Why or why not?

2. Write a brief synopsis of the plot of State of Wonder, identifying where the various elements of the plot occur (Exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution or denouement). Do you find it difficult to identify the plot? Why or why not? What about the various elements of the plot?

3. Identify the major sub-plots and their elements in State of Wonder. (The subplots may not contain every element of a major plot). Do the sub-plots add to the main plot? Why or why not. Are the sub-plots interesting in and of themselves? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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