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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. What does Deanna tell Jason she intends to do?

2. Why is Deanna relieved when she talks to Jason on the phone?

3. What does Deanna say about herself concerning Jason?

4. Why does Deanna sneak in through her window?

5. About what does Stacy say Darren may not be happy?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What does Deanna realize about Tommy and about herself?

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

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

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

6. How does Deanna end up being in a car with Tommy?

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

8. How does Deanna comfort Stacy when Stacy talks about Stacy's recent running away?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Deanna continues to move forward into her future and into new relationships with her family and friends, facing and accepting the realities of her present and possible future without any of it being, or at least feeling, haunted by the circumstances of the past. Without overtly saying so in narration, she comes across as freer and freer all the time, more connected to herself and open to genuine experiences with her family and friends, whatever those experiences might be and whatever her initial uneasiness and/or reluctance.

1. Discuss the ways in which Deanna is changing in her relationships with her family and friends. Use examples from Story of a Girl and your own life to support your answer.

2. Do you think Deanna is becoming free of her past? Why or why not? Use examples from Story of a Girl and your own life to support your answer.

3. Discuss the fears that has kept Deanna tied to her past and how she might overcome them. Use examples from Story of a Girl and your own life to support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

Choose one of the following to discuss:

1. Choose two significant symbols and trace and analyze their appearance in Story of a Girl. Are these universal symbols? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other symbols that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think Zarr chooses the symbols he does?

2. Choose two important metaphors and trace and analyze their appearance in the novel. Are these universal metaphors? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other metaphors that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think Zarr chooses the metaphors she does?

3. Discuss Zarr's use (or lack ) of literary device (such as foreshadowing, clifthangers, deux ex machina, etc...), and how they add or detract from the story. Does Zarr use too many or too little literary techniques? State which of the five major elements of fiction the literary device is related to (style, character, plot, setting, theme).

Essay Topic 3

Titles often play a vital role in making a person decide to read a particular book. Discuss the following:

1. Fully explain why you think Story of a Girl is titled as such. Do you think it is the best title for the book? Why or why not? Can you think of a better title? Why would you choose it?

2. How important is a title in influencing you to consider reading a book? Explain your answer.

3. Do you think a title needs to have direct relevance to a book's content? Explain your answer.

4. Have you ever read a book that when you finished, you do not understand the relevance of the title? Does it discourage you from "trusting" that particular author again? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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