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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 Cruz's ward like when Carriscant visits it?

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

3. Whom does Bobby bring forth to accuse Carriscant?

4. With what does Pantaleon threaten Carriscant?

5. What does Carriscant do in Guam?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. What does Delphine tell Carriscant that makes him start planning to flee the country with her?

5. What happens to Carriscant before he can flee the country?

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

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

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

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

10. How does Annaliese become pregnant with Kay?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss one of the following:

1. Trace and analyze the theme of truth in The Blue Afternoon. Consider the following questions as you write: What characters are most concerned with growth? Why? What are some symbols of growth? Symbols of rigidity? What characters seem rigid?

2. Trace and analyze the theme of love in The Blue Afternoon. Which characters struggle with this issue? Why? Which characters seem to possess courage? Why?

3. Trace and analyze the theme of illusions and beliefs in The Blue Afternoon. What are some of the beliefs the characters hold that may be illusions? How does denial fit in with the theme of illusions and beliefs? How do false beliefs shape some of the characters' lives?

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

Titles often play a vital role in making a person decide to read a particular book. Discuss the following:

1. Fully explain why you think The Blue Afternoon is titled as such. Do you think it is the best title for the book? Why or why not? Can you think of a better title? Why would you choose it?

2. How important is a title in influencing you to consider reading a book? Explain your answer.

3. Do you think a title needs to have direct relevance to a book's content? Explain your answer.

4. Have you ever read a book that when you finished, you do not understand the relevance of the title? Does it discourage you from "trusting" that particular author again?

(see the answer keys)

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