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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. When does Mel resign his position with Evangelical Covenant Church?

2. What does White not have the ability to do?

3. What does Darrel do that made Mel think about the boy obsessively?

4. What is one reason that Mel finds for which Sodom was not destroyed?

5. What is one of Mel's first homosexual memories?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe how Mel and Lyla met.

2. How does Mel describe his grandmother Noni as far as religion is concerned?

3. What does Mel say about whom he might blame for his homosexuality and his feeling miserable as an adolescent?

4. Describe Mel's relationship with Gordon H.

5. What does White start to pursue concerning his feelings of attraction to other men?

6. What do White and Lyla do when they return from their honeymoon?

7. Who is Peter W.? What does White write about the young man?

8. What does White relate about Falwell and civil rights?

9. What does Mel write about Johnny B.?

10. Why does White decide to go to Fuller Theological Seminary?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 Stranger at the Gate help a reader to know him/herself? Do you find yourself reflecting on your own character and abilities when reading Stranger at the Gate? Why or why not.

3. Choose one specific incident in Stranger at the Gate to discuss and compare Mel's or Lyla's response to how you think you would respond.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the following:

1. What is a plot? What are the most important elements of a plot and their definition? Does non-fiction have a plot? Why or why not?

2. Write a brief synopsis of the plot of Stranger at the Gate, 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 because of Stranger at the Gate being non-fiction? Why or why not? What about the various elements of the plot?

3. Identify the major sub-plots and their elements in Stranger at the Gate. (They may not contain every element of a major plot). Do the sub-plots add to the main plot? Explain. Are the sub-plots interesting in and of themselves? Why or why not?

4. Do you think having a plot in non-fiction is important? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the following:

1. Do you believe Mel White was hypocritical in continuing to earn a living working for the religious right after he began to realize that he was probably homosexual? Discuss fully with examples from the text.

2. Why do you think Jerry Falwell refused to answer Mel White's letter requesting a discussion with White about homosexuality and the Christian church? Do you think Falwell handled this situation justly? Discuss fully with examples from the text.

3. Discuss the situation when Mel White decides to travel to Acapulco, Mexico to work with Billy Graham instead of traveling to Chicago to live with Tom Montgomery. What does this situation say about White? About Montgomery?

(see the answer keys)

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