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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. Why does Jordan like it when Jordy says "the place" (230) in "Why Do Stars Falls Down from the Sky"?

2. While on the footbridge, which reference does Jordy make?

3. What does Jordy gift Jordan for their anniversary in "Why Do Stars Falls Down from the Sky"?

4. Where is Mia going to college?

5. What compliment does Marielle give Jordy in her eulogy in "You're the Nearest Thing to Heaven That I've Seen"?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why did Naomi visit Craig in New York and what do they do together?

2. How does Naomi view her boyfriend Gary?

3. What prompts Jordan to reveal a secret about Alec, and what is the secret?

4. What does Craig bring to his funeral; what is the reason?

5. Why does Craig rationale that he is going to plead guilty at the beginning of the "There's a Wonder in Most Everything I See"?

6. What does Jordy do for their anniversary? What steps does he take to make it extra special in "Why Do Stars Fall Down From the Sky"?

7. When was Jordy's funeral held and what was the tone?

8. Why does Naomi repeat a calculation at the beginning of "Why Do Stars Fall Down From the Sky"?

9. What is Jordan's hidden scheme that he reveals during their last trip to Big Sur?

10. In "You're the Nearest Thing to Heaven that I've Seen" what does Craig suggest to Marielle about his living conditions? What are Craig's motivations for moving?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay arguing how Rowley's use of omniscient narration is necessary for the construction of his characters. What elements would be left behind if limited narration was used; which facets of the novel would no longer work? Why is it important that the reader has access to every person in the friend group's thoughts?

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay arguing for the necessity of a queer reading of this novel. Make sure to discuss elements that you believe can only be understood through the lens of queer theory. What elements of the novel would be missed using straightforward analysis?

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay arguing that Marielle's lack of identity is due to a societal undervaluing of motherhood. Make sure to include points of comparison and quote jobs/activities that are praised in the novel, unlike Marielle's decision to be a mother. What evidence did you find to arrive at this conclusion?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 922 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample