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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 Mel see as one aspect to many of the right-wing Christian leaders for whom Mel works?

2. Who is John Finch?

3. What does Robertson and others of the religious right tell White he could do?

4. Where do Gary and White move in 1990?

5. How did Mel view Jerry Falwell when Mel worked with the man?

Short Essay Questions

1. How do Mel and Lyla stay connected, and what do Christian leaders say about White's new living situation? What does Lyla say in response to the Christian leaders?

2. What does White say about working with Falwell on the book, If I Should Die Before I Wake?

3. What did White plan to do while scuba diving in Hawaii? What changed his mind?

4. Where does White take his family in the summer of 1979, and how does he feel about the time spent there with Lyla?

5. How does Tom Montgomery maintain his spirituality despite being angry with the Religious Right?

6. Where do Gary and Mel move? With what decision does Mel struggle?

7. How does White's parents react to his telling them of his homosexuality?

8. What happens one night when White becomes too stressed about his life? What does he do after that?

9. Who is R. J. Rushdoony? What is his view about homosexuality and White's thoughts about that?

10. What was Mel White determined to do after the end of his relationship with Tom?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the following:

1. Compare/contrast Mel White at the beginning of the novel to him at the end of the novel. How are they alike? How are they different? Are they both sympathetic characters? Which "Mel White" would you most likely have as a friend? Why?

2. Compare/contrast Lyla at the beginning of the novel to Lyla at the end of the novel. . How are they alike? How are they different? Are they sympathetic characters? Who would you most likely have as a friend? Why?

3. Compare/contrast Mel White to Jerry Falwell. How are they alike? How are they different? Are they sympathetic characters? Who would you most likely have as a friend? Why? Is each one compassionate? Honorable? Why or why not.

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 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 3

Discuss the following:

1. Thoroughly discuss the character of Mel White. What are his strengths? Weaknesses? How does he evolve over the course of the story? (or does he?) Is he likable at the beginning of the story? At the end of the book? Is he trustworthy? Wise? Would you want him as a friend? As an opponent? Do you think he is loving? Compassionate? Accepting? Tolerant?

2. Thoroughly discuss the character of Lyla. What are her strengths? Weaknesses? How does she evolve over the course of the story? Is she likable at the beginning of the story? At the end of the book? Do you think she is loving? Compassionate? Accepting? Tolerant?

3. Thoroughly discuss two other persons of your choosing. What are their strengths? Weaknesses? How do they evolve over the course of the story? (or do they?) Are they likable at the beginning of the story? At the end of the book? Are they trustworthy? Wise? Would you want them as friends? Are they likely to be opponents to your way of life? Do you think each one is loving? Compassionate? Accepting? Tolerant?

(see the answer keys)

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