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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. The narrator reports that she is beginning to suspect

2. The canoe trip is difficult for the group because

3. The others decide they want to

4. What is Bill Malmstrom's purpose in visiting the island?

5. The narrator describes the lake as

Short Essay Questions

1. What attitude does the narrator express about the emotions of others?

2. Describe the character of Paul.

3. Why is the narrator bothered by the new road, and the ease with which she is able to arrive at her destination?

4. Describe the narrator's initial beliefs about Americans.

5. What is the narrator's revelation about Christ?

6. What does the narrator reveal about the lake and river?

7. How is the narrator changing as she remembers her past?

8. What kind of relationship does the narrator seem to have with Joe?

9. Describe the narrator's perception of the townspeople toward her.

10. What is significant about the narrator's description of the herons?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

A thematic concept apparent in the novel is identity. Write an essay in which you identify three symbols or motifs that contribute to Atwood's message about identity.

Essay Topic 2

The narrator of Atwood's novel includes many details on the food she either serves her guests or consumes herself. Write an essay in which you discuss the significance of the mealtimes, food, or consumptive habits stressed in the novel. Consider Atwood's purpose in including these details.

Essay Topic 3

Consider the Canadian wilderness in Margaret Atwood's Surfacing. How does the wilderness represent the narrator's a) past, b) struggles or c) both. Create an argument in which you support points a, b, or c.

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