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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 does Stacy's family handle her disappearance?

2. What does Deanna write about memories?

3. How does Deanna's father feel about what Deanna has done?

4. How does Deanna respond to her dad's suspicious questions?

5. What does Deanna tell Jason she intends to do?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Deanna relieved when she calls Jason to tell him about Stacy?

2. What happens to make Deanna confront Tommy about their previous history?

3. Where does Stacy say she was and what does Darren say when Deanna calls him and what is Deanna's response?

4. How does Deanna miss an opportunity to close the gap between her and her father?

5. What does the note found in Stacy's car say?

6. What do Deanna and Darren do together that evening?

7. What is Tommy's response to Deanna's "melt-down"?

8. What does Darren learn when he calls Stacy's family?

9. How do Jason and Deanna end up back at Jason's house?

10. Why does Deanna call Jason to come earlier and what do they do?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Deanna finally speaks her mind to Tommy and to her father. There is clearly the sense here that Deanna is becoming both stronger and more courageous, less self-pitying (a state that some of her journal entries and narration tend to suggest) and less willing to both perceive herself as, and act as, a victim. She is, in short, clearly both ready and willing to move on from her past, a situation that is clearly a contrast to both Darren and her father, and which, as later events confirm, serves to inspire both of them to at least a degree of both letting go and moving on. Deanna is, in short, both a hero in her own life and, as a result, an inspiration in the lives of others.

1. Discuss the ways in which Deanna seems to be changing after speaking her mind to Tommy. Use examples from Story of a Girl and your own life to support your answer.

2. Discuss the reason for which Deanna might see herself as a victim. Use examples from Story of a Girl and your own life to support your answer.

3. Discuss why or why not Deanna might be considered a heroine. Use examples from Story of a Girl and your own life to support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

Oftentimes, a book has more of a character-driven plot rather than action driven, and oftentimes the other way. Some books seem to balance the two. Discuss the following:

1. What do you think it means to say that a plot is character driven? Action driven?

2. How do you think a plot differs if it is character driven versus action driven?

3. Which type of plot do you find more interesting? Why?

4. Do you think it is possible to have a plot where action and character development share equal time? Why or why not.

5. What type of plot do you think Story of a Girl is? Explain your response.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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