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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. Where does White want to move?

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

3. How does Mel overcompensate once the divorce proceedings commence?

4. When do Lyla and Mel file for divorce?

5. Who is Tom Montgomery?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who is David and how does White meet him?

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

3. What does White say about attempts by gays to become heterosexual?

4. Describe White's experience with Tom Montgomery.

5. What does Wright find confusing at first when he is at the new cathedral in Dallas?

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

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

8. How does White find peace in his new church in Dallas?

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

10. Why does White decide to accept Piazza's offer?

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

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

Gossip and rumors are found throughout Something Wonderful. Discuss the following:

1. What is one piece of gossip that you think is started maliciously? Who starts it? Why? Does it end up harming the person it is intended to harm? Why or why not? What effect does the gossip have on the person the gossip is about? What effect does the gossip have on one other character?

2. What is one piece of gossip that you think is started intentionally to help someone? Who starts it? Why? Does it end up helping or harming the person it is intended to help? Explain. What effect does the gossip have on the person the gossip is about? What effect does the gossip have on one other character?

3. Trace and analyze the theme of gossip as it is woven throughout Something Wonderful. Is the gossip always harmful? What are the motivations of those who start and perpetuate the gossip? What are the effects of the gossip?

4. Why do you think people gossip?

(see the answer keys)

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