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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 Carriscant believe about the wounds he examines in a murder victim?

2. Why does Philip say he will ask around at his work for Kay?

3. Where does Carriscant want Kay to go with him?

4. In what way does Cruz consider himself superior in the novel?

5. How old was Coleman when he died?

Short Essay Questions

1. Where does Carriscant visit in the chapter titled "The Nipa Barn"?

2. What does Carriscant say about his parentage?

3. What does Kay decide about Carriscant and what does she do after deciding this?

4. Who is Coleman Brockway and how did he die?

5. What is the setting for the chapter titled "Tongue"?

6. What does Kay learn about the buyer of her home?

7. What does Salvador Carriscant say about his return to Manila in 1897?

8. What does Philip do when he comes to visit Kay after she is home from her chat with Carriscant?

9. How does Kay conduct her investigation of Carriscant?

10. What is the impact of Coleman's death on Kay and Philip?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 William Boyd.

2. What in Boyd's background may have helped him in writing The Blue Afternoon? 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.

Essay Topic 2

There are a number of interesting questions raised by The Blue Afternoon. The questions are ones that Boyd most likely wants readers to consider and think through carefully. Discuss the following:

1. What does the term "author agenda" mean?

2. Name one idea/concept you think may have been a part of the Boyd' agenda. Analyze that idea throughout the book and discuss Boyd' probable agenda concerning that idea.

2. Do you think writers who have an agenda for writing should point it out in a preface?

3. How often do you think fiction is written with a clear agenda in mind by the author?

4. Research the life of Boyd and see if/where his life may have influenced his writing.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the following:

1. What is a plot? What are the most important elements of a plot and their definition? Do all novels have a plot? Why or why not?

2. Write a brief synopsis of the plot of The Blue Afternoon, identifying where the various elements of the plot occur (Exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution or denouement). Do you find it difficult to identify the plot? Why or why not? What about the various elements of the plot?

3. Identify the major sub-plots and their elements in The Blue Afternoon. (The subplots may not contain every element of a major plot). Do the sub-plots add to the main plot? Why or why not. Are the sub-plots interesting in and of themselves? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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