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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. Why does Deanna speak sharply to Lee?

2. What does Deanna reveal to Lee as they are having pizza?

3. What do Deanna and Jason do after the senior boys leave?

4. How old is Deanna when her father finds her in a compromising situation?

5. What does Darren say to Stacy that bothers her?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Lee ask Deanna's advice concerning Jason?

2. How long has it been that Deanna's father has not really spoken or looked at her?

3. Who interrupts the assault on Deanna and how is he treated?

4. Describe the incident when Deanna was thirteen and she felt drawn to Tommy.

5. What does Deanna start ascribing to the surfer girl?

6. How does Deanna feel about seeing Lee and Jason together?

7. What happens at the first place Deanna and Lee drop off Deanna's resume, and what is Lee's take on the situation?

8. What does Tommy invite Deanna to do that reminds her of a time she felt drawn to him?

9. About what does Deanna's father hint at when she sees him at home after school?

10. What argument does Deanna overhear?

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 Deanna and Darren. 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 Deanna and Lee. 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 Story of a Girl 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

Many readers of fiction place themselves in the position of one character, wondering if they would do the same thing as that character. Discuss the following:

1. Do you think one of the values of literature is to serve as a reflection of oneself? Why or why not?

2. Socrates said "Know thyself." How can reading a book such as Story of a Girl help a reader to know him/herself? Do you find yourself reflecting on your own character and abilities when reading Story of a Girl? Why or why not.

3. Choose one specific incident in Story of a Girl to discuss and compare the character's response to how you think you would respond.

Essay Topic 3

Many novels, and perhaps a majority, of novels ends on a happy note. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think many (most?) people want what they perceive as a happy or good ending to a novel? Explain your opinion. Do you? Why or why not?

2. What are three reasons to read fiction? Discuss each one in light of Story of a Girl and whether or not it fulfills all three, two or one of the reasons you mention. Give examples as to why Story of a Girl is or is not successful in fulfilling the reasons you discuss.

3. Do you think reading solely for entertainment is as good a reason to read as any other? Why or why not? Can any work of fiction or non-fiction, no matter how poorly written, enlighten, teach, stimulate thought? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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