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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 White say in his letter to Jerry Falwell on December 24, 1991?

2. Who calls White and asks him to work on an important book when White is contemplating moving to be with Tom?

3. How do Mel's children respond to Mel's conflict?

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

5. What does Mel tell his parents after meeting Tom?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Who was Michael Piazza, and what did he offer White?

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

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

5. What is the Truth in Love campaign?

6. What does the religious right try to push through in Oregon, and what does White do about it?

7. Describe White's first meeting with Gary Nixon.

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

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

10. How does White handle his relationship with David as far as Lyla is concerned?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss one of the following:

1. Trace and analyze the theme of growth in Stranger at the Gate. Consider the following questions as you write: What characters are most concerned with growth? Why? What are some symbols of growth? Symbols of rigidity? What characters seem rigid?

2. Trace and analyze the theme of sexual orientation versus sexual preference. Which characters struggle with this issue? Why? Which characters believe that sexual behavior is predicated upon preference? Why? Which characters believe that sexual behavior is predicated upon a genetic orientation? Why? Which view is the one you hold? Why?

3. Trace and analyze the theme of forgiveness. What is Mel's view of forgiveness? Falwell's? Tom Montgomery? Lyla's? Which characters believe forgiveness is necessary? Which ones seem to refuse to forgive? What is forgiveness? Are Christians the only ones concerned with the idea of forgiveness?

Essay Topic 2

The topic of marriage is woven throughout Stranger at the Gate. Discuss the following:

1. Discuss the attitudes toward marriage that the following persons seem to take: Mel White, Lyla White, Jerry Falwell, Tom Montgomery, Pat Robertson and James Dobson.

2. How do you think the characters listed above are influenced by Christianity in their views of marriage? Discuss thoroughly using examples from the book.

3. Compare/contrast the Christian view of marriage with that of Mel White. How are their views similar? Different? Which views are more like your own?

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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