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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. From what country is Annaliese's father?
2. Where does Carriscant want Kay to go with him?
3. How is Kay's business?
4. What is apparent when Carriscant visits Pantaleon's house?
5. What is the year when the novel opens?
Short Essay Questions
1. What do Quiroga and Carriscant do for a Chinese boy?
2. Who is Coleman Brockway and how did he die?
3. Who is Pantaleon Quiroga?
4. What does Kay decide about Carriscant and what does she do after deciding this?
5. What is the setting for the chapter titled "Tongue"?
6. Why does Kay's lawyer call her and why is his news in a way depressing for Kay?
7. What does Kay learn about the buyer of her home?
8. Where does Carriscant visit in the chapter titled "The Nipa Barn"?
9. What does Carriscant notice while at Cruz's home?
10. What is Pantaleon building inside his barn?
Essay Topics
Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:
Essay Topic 1
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 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 The Blue Afternoon help a reader to know him/herself? Do you find yourself reflecting on your own character and abilities when reading The Blue Afternoon? Why or why not.
3. Choose one specific incident in The Blue Afternoon to discuss and compare one of the characters' response to how you think you would respond.
Essay Topic 3
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 The Blue Afternoon and whether or not it fulfills all three, two or one of the reasons you mention. Give examples as to why The Blue Afternoon 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?
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This section contains 876 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) |
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