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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 does Marina go with Alan and Nancy Saturn?

2. Why does Marina grab Fox tightly?

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

4. How does Barbara make an almost-fatal error?

5. What does Dr. Swenson often do when she is a member of Dr. Rapp's research group?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. Who are on the boat going to the trading post?

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

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

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

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

9. What does Swenson tell Marina about Easter?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Discuss the following:

1. What do you think are the characteristics of a successful novel?

2. Analyze and discuss State of Wonder based upon the criteria you decide upon in #1 and judge if State of Wonder is a successful novel.

3. Do you think the criteria for a successful novel should be different if it is written for adults versus young adults? Why or why not? Would most adults consider State of Wonder a successful novel? What about young teens?

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 1,234 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample