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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 time does Katie arrive home?

2. What does Katie finally understand?

3. What does Gus do one day in the park in Boston?

4. What is Suzanne's occupation?

5. What does Katie think she and Suzanne would have done had they met each other under different circumstances?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Katie remember about the night she and Matt made love and Katie becomes pregnant?

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

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

4. Who is with Katie and what are they doing?

5. What bothers her immensely about her relationship with Matt?

6. Why does Michael end the relationship with Suzanne?

7. Describe Suzanne's relationship with Michael Bernstein.

8. Why is Suzanne writing to her son?

9. What does Suzanne write about Gus?

10. What did Matt do for Katie during the month of June?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Choose one of the following to discuss:

1. Choose two significant symbols and trace and analyze their appearance in "Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas". Are these universal symbols? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other symbols that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think Patterson chooses the symbols he does?

2. Choose two important metaphors and trace and analyze their appearance in the novel. Are these universal metaphors? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other metaphors that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think Patterson chooses the metaphors he does?

3. Discuss Patterson's use (or lack ) of literary device (such as foreshadowing, cliffhangers, deux ex machina, etc.), and how they add or detract from the story. Does Patterson use too many or too little literary techniques? State which of the five major elements of fiction the literary device is related to (style, character, plot, setting, theme).

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 this help a reader to know him/herself? Do you find yourself reflecting on your own character and abilities when reading "Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas"? Why or why not.

3. Choose one specific incident in "Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas" to discuss and compare one of the characters' response to how you think you would respond.

Essay Topic 3

Often, authors will write about "what they know," and sometimes knowing a little about the author makes the books more interesting. Discuss the following:

1. Research and give a brief biographical sketch of James Patterson.

2. What in Patterson's background may have helped him in writing this book? What may have influenced the way he depicts various characters and scenes?

3. Do you think there is always some of the author's own life in his/her novels? Why or why not? Give examples.

(see the answer keys)

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