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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 Suzanne see Matt's home as having?

2. Who is Matt Harrison?

3. What did Matt's father do for a living?

4. What does Katie's mother say about Matt?

5. What does Katie finally understand?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Suzanne describe Melanie Bone?

2. Describe what happens on July 18.

3. How does Katie describe Matt and what do they do on the day they meet?

4. What does Suzanne say about seeing Matt the day after they talked in the diner?

5. What had Katie done on July 19th, and what had she received the same day?

6. Describe Suzanne's meeting Jean.

7. What does Suzanne say about Matt's house?

8. What is Katie not yet ready to tell her family?

9. How does Suzanne describe meeting Matt in Picasso?

10. Where do Matt and Katie go the next day after working until noon?

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 this story. Then 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 courage in "Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas". Which characters struggle with this issue? Why? Which characters seem to possess courage? Why?

3. Trace and analyze the theme of death in "Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas". Consider the death of Mike as an random act of nature and the death of Luis as the result of conscious violence. Consider also in your answer the death of innocence in Rick from the beginning of the book to the end.

Essay Topic 2

Many novels, and perhaps a majority, of novels ends on a happy note. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think many (most?) people want what they perceive as a happy or good ending to a novel? Explain your opinion. Do you? Why or why not?

2. What are three reasons to read fiction? Discuss each one in light of "Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas" and whether or not it fulfills all three, two or one of the reasons you mention. Give examples as to why "Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas" is or is not successful in fulfilling the reasons you discuss.

3. Do you think reading solely for entertainment is as good a reason to read as any other? Why or why not? Can any work of fiction or non-fiction, no matter how poorly written, enlighten, teach, stimulate thought? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Patterson recognizes that we have to have something bad come into Suzanne's life. Everything can't be happily ever after all the time. Gus, the dog, is hit by a truck and dies. While it is bad, Patterson has another tearjerker moment with Suzanne and her dog's death. Matt holds her while she cries. Patterson shows a moment of weakness. Before the entry is over, Suzanne moves back into a strength position as she tells Nicky to move on. You lift your head and move on in life.

1. Do you think in order for a story to be interesting good and bad has to be mixed? Why or why not? Use examples from "Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas" and your own life to support your answer.

2. Do you think most people would consider crying about the death of a pet would be considered a weakness? Why or why not? Use examples from the text and your own life to support your answer.

3. Discuss why Suzanne telling Nicky one has to move one might be considered a characteristic of a strong person. Use examples from "Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas" and your own life to support your answer.

(see the answer keys)

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