View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Leona think she sees in Josh's face?

2. What film is being shown at the opening of Chapter 6?

3. What does Artie dream of when he uses the glass ring?

4. What is Sgt. Schorr's specialty?

5. Where does Swan live?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Sister Creep's reaction when she emerges from the subway tunnels.

2. What does Roland do for Colonel Macklin?

3. What happens to the leadership of the American government shortly after the nuclear attacks begin?

4. What does Roland do during his family's initial visit to Earth House that demonstrates that he is reckless and insensitive?

5. What special powers does the glass ring exhibit as Sister and her group begin to use it?

6. What inner struggle does Macklin go through after he and the others move into the Salt Lake settlement?

7. What happens to Roland's parents during the fighting in Earth House?

8. Describe the game that Alvin and his followers force Josh to play.

9. How does Sister Creep react to seeing the Spanish woman's dead child?

10. How does Swan's group react to seeing the lit K-mart?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The glass ring is a potent artifact that exhibits a wide range of magical powers. It drives the story forward at many points, and guides Sister through most of her quest. When Swan receives the ring, it exhibits a new range of powers, and it is clearly intended for her use. Sister describes it as her "crown."

1) Explain the glass ring's origin and its known powers. What does it provide to anyone who uses it? Are its powers limitless or finite?

2) Discuss the affects of the dream walking that the ring causes. Does there appear to be intelligence and intent behind the visions that dream walkers experience?

3) Discuss the importance of the ring to Swan. What powers does it give to her, and how does it react to her presence?

Essay Topic 2

Family is extremely important to some characters in the novel. Swan, Josh, Roland, and others come from backgrounds of broken families. They struggle to deal with their needs for companionship and company.

1) Identify the characters that struggle with family identity. Explain what problems are caused for them by this struggle.

2) Discuss some of the improvised families that form over the course of the novel. How do these social groups support their members and improve their lives?

3) Explain the importance of the theme of family to the overall message of the novel.

Essay Topic 3

Throughout the novel, many characters sacrifice themselves for causes they believe are more important than themselves. These decisions are obviously not easy, but they are made quickly and with no regrets.

1) Explain the sacrifices that Leona and Rusty make for Swan's sake.

2) Explain Macklin's sacrifice at the end of the novel. Why was this action relatively unexpected? Discuss whether or not this act does anything to redeem Macklin.

3) Discuss why some characters become quickly resolved to lay down their lives, whereas others do not rise to the challenge.

4) Explain the importance of the theme of sacrifice to the overall theme of forgiveness and redemption in the novel.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 905 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample