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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 Dr. Thomas Nkomo?

2. From what condition is Dr. Swenson suffering?

3. Where has Easter started sleeping?

4. What does Marina learn about the trees that produce the fertility compound?

5. Who does Barbara see running towards her on their trip to the Lakashi?

Short Essay Questions

1. What shocks Marina one day as the boat from Manaus arrives, and how does she feel about it?

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

3. How does Marina realize Swenson is nearly seventy?

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

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

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

7. What does Marina find in her quarters?

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

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

10. What does Swenson tell Marina about Easter?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,006 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample