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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 antique does Matt give Suzanne?

2. Does it surprise Katie that Matt cheats on Suzanne?

3. What does Katie do when she tells Dr. Sassoon she is pregnant?

4. How many people attend Matt and Suzanne's wedding?

5. What does Matt surprise Suzanne with one day when she comes downstairs in her pajamas?

Short Essay Questions

1. What perfect memory do Suzanne and Matt create when in their son's room in the middle of the night?

2. Who goes with Katie to the gynecologist's appointment, and how is Katie feeling as she waits to get in to see the doctor?

3. How does Suzanne fare as the days go on and what does she do once day with Nicky?

4. What does Matt tell Nicky as Matt sits in Nicky's room and what does Matt wish he had done?

5. Where do Matt and Susan have their honeymoon and what does Matt bring Suzanne every day during the honeymoon?

6. What does Matt announce one day before daylight and what do they do?

7. What does Katie share with her parents and what is their reation?

8. Describe the locket Matt gives Suzanne.

9. What happens when Katie finishes the diary and what is said in the letter attached at the end of the diary?

10. What does Nicky wear to his baptism and how does he act during his baptism?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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 3

Suzanne is looking for magic. She makes a deal with Nicky on the way home from Boston that for every smile he gives her she will live another year. For a doctor, she falls into magical thinking quickly. After the heart attack that she had at the beginning of the book, one would think that she would live in reality. Perhaps even with scientific knowledge that she could share with a patient, she can't really believe it for herself.

Women understand the desire for a child. Some women can't accept themselves as women unless they have children. While there is a part of every woman who understands Suzanne's desire for another child, it is accepted as a heart string puller because Patterson has been keeping emotion high. If one stops and looks at this situation, this is a very stupid move for a doctor who understands the score.

1. Why do you think even a well educated person might resort to magical thinking, such as what Suzanne is doing on the way home from Boston? Use examples from "Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas" and your own life to support your answer.

2. Do you think all women can understand the desire for a child? Why or why not? Do you think men would not be able to understand that desire? Use examples from the book and your own life to support your answer.

3. Discuss the dichotomy of a doctor like Suzanne not taking precautions to avoid pregnancy knowing her medical history. Use examples from "Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas" and your own life to support your answer.

(see the answer keys)

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