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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 is the name of the priest that vanished?

2. Which of the languages is not translated into English?

3. When the teacher returns to the store it appears as if the man in the shadows is missing which body part?

4. The main character in the tale titled In My Boat dreams about being what age?

5. Which character from a previous story is mentioned?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens to the writer's translator friend when he begins to read the Latin text of De Vermis Mysteriis?

2. Who is the protagonist in The Shambler from the Stars? What is his main focus?

3. Who are the main characters in the story In My Boat? Who is the protagonist? Where did the characters meet?

4. Who is the protagonist in "The Salem Horror?" What kind of unusual circumstance does the man face when looking for a place to live and work?

5. What does Dorgan find when he goes searching for Gardner? What are Gardner's instructions?

6. Who is Dr. Ambrose Dexter? Why is he important in the story? What does Fiske find when he meets Dexter?

7. Paul Lang learns about an ancient manuscript called the Voynich. What does Lang do when he cannot find a copy of the text?

8. What happens when Carson discovers the secret room? Who turns up in the room due to an element of evil activity? Who rids the house of the entity?

9. What were some of the things that could serve as proof of the threshold and what lay beyond?

10. After Al and Cissie sail off aboard the yacht, they disappear from the scene. What has happened to Al and Cissie?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Various cults are mentioned in the stories including the "nameless cults." Discuss cults as they relate to the tales. Who is involved in each cult? What is the fascination involved with studying cults? Which characters seem to be most interested in learning about cults and their rituals? What type of worship is demanded by the cult leaders? How do characters change once they become involved with a cult?

Essay Topic 2

The Salem Witch Trials are mentioned in more than one story, although "The Salem Horror" uses the tragedy as a backdrop. Write a 1000 word essay on the Salem Witch Trials. Were they real? Were any witches actually hanged? What is the draw to Salem in modern times? Do witches really exist? If so, do you think they reside in Salem? What is Carson's opinion of witches? What started the witch trials? When did they take place? Where were the witches executed? What was the real cause behind the trials? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

"Tales of the Cthulhu Mythos" by H. P. Lovecraft is a collection of horror stories written by Lovecraft, his associates and fans. Discuss the common threads used in the stories. Do you think the similarities are planned or accidental? How is the theme of the Cthulhu continued throughout the book? What influence did Lovecraft have on the genre? Who was the most successful writer in the book aside from Lovecraft?

(see the answer keys)

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