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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. How are there a high number of visible trunks on the fertility trees?

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

3. Why does Swenson drop Marina's hammock onto the deck?

4. What happens to Easter that almost kills him?

5. Who meets the boat?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

6. How does Marina save Easter's life?

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

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

9. How does Marina realize Swenson is nearly seventy?

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

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

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. Who is/are the protagonists of the story and why?

2. Who is/are the antagonists of the story and why?

3. Which 3 secondary characters have the greatest impact on the plot?

4. Are any of the characters dispensable and which ones? Why or why not?

5. Do you think this is a character-driven plot or an action-driven plot? Explain.

(see the answer keys)

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