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. Of what does Pantaleon inform Carriscant?

2. Who is Jepson Siverance?

3. Who is the third murder victim?

4. Why does Siverance summon Carriscant?

5. What does Carriscant do when he encounters Delphine at the social function?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Why does Carriscant fight Wieland?

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

4. What does Carriscant say Delphine admits and what is Kay's reaction?

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

6. What happens one day when Carriscant begins to fantasize about Delphine?

7. What does Cruz show Carriscant in Cruz's operating room and what does Carriscant think of what he is seeing?

8. Why does Carriscant start a fire in Sieverance's shed?

9. How does Carriscant manage to see Delphine alone for a few minutes?

10. What does Carriscant say about possible motives for the death of the soldiers?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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 3

Discuss the following:

1. What do you think are the characteristics of a successful novel?

2. Analyze and discuss The Blue Afternoon based upon the criteria you decide upon in #1 and judge if The Blue Afternoon is a successful novel.

3. Do you think the criteria for a successful novel should be different if it is written for adults versus young adults? Why or why not? Would most adults consider The Blue Afternoon a successful novel? What about young teens?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,046 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample