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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. With what does Pantaleon threaten Carriscant?

2. Where do Carriscant and Kay go to inquire about the magazine photograph?

3. Why does Delphine reject Carriscant out of hand?

4. About what do Kay and Carriscant chat at the end of the story?

5. What do Carriscant and Delphine tell Seiverance?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens to Carriscant's Chinese patient, and what does this set Carriscant to thinking?

2. Who calls in Carriscant to examine his ill wife?

3. Why does Delphine take up painting and how does that enable her affair with Carriscant?

4. Whom does Carriscant contact about a black market engine and why does Panteleon want an engine on the black market?

5. What happens when Carriscant meets Delphine and why does she reject him?

6. What is the outcome of Carriscant's trial?

7. Why is Cruz enraged and Carriscant embarrassed?

8. What does Annaliese say about Delphine after Annaliese meets her at the Governor's social?

9. What details about her life does Delphine tell Carriscant?

10. What does Carriscant contemplate doing after fighting with Wieland?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Characters are an integral and important part of almost all novels. Discuss the following:

1. Compare/contrast the characters of Carriscant and Cruz. How are they similar? How are they different? Is there a flaw in each of their personalities? Be specific and give examples.

2. Compare/contrast the characters of Kay and Annaliese. How do they seem different? Which do you like more? Why? Which one seems more of a well-rounded character?

3. Thoroughly analyze how three of the secondary characters in The Blue Afternoon help drive the plot and what their contribution is to the storyline. Are any of the secondary characters unnecessary? Indispensable? Which of the secondary characters are likable? Which are either unlikable or even despicable? Be specific and give examples.

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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