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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. It's summer in Gotham City, and what is wrong with the weather?

2. At Arkham, what does Dr. Wopler tell his patient about Commissioner Gordon?

3. Which character says, "I burn you--burning you, I flare, hot and bright and fierce."?

4. According to the news reports, two abducted children were later found in what location?

5. After his return to crime fighting, how does Batman say his body should feel?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does the author give a lot of detail on Margaret Corcoran only to have the Mutants blow her up at the end of the paneled section?

2. Why does Batman automatically accept Carrie as Robin as opposed to finding and selecting his own candidate for the position?

3. What is the significance of the storm breaking over Gotham City after weeks of intense heat?

4. How does Batman continue to use fear to cripple the younger criminals he encounters?

5. What is the symbolic significance of the split panels for the illustrations in the scene before Harvey Dent's new face is revealed?

6. What is the significance of Bruce Wayne watching The Mask of Zorro on television?

7. How does Lana Lang's words, "We live in the shadow of crime, Ted, with the unspoken understanding that we are victims--of fear, of violence, of social impotence..." equate to Batman's beliefs?

8. When Batman has the Mutants' leader in his gun scope, why does Batman not blast the Mutants' leader and eliminate the gang altogether?

9. What is the significance of Bruce Wayne's sleepwalking flashback to the bat cave?

10. In what ways is the protagonist, Bruce Wayne, conflicted at the beginning of "The Dark Knight Returns"?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Commissioner Gordon has been Bruce Wayne's friend. Describe how Commissioner Gordon and Alfred act as father figures for Bruce Wayne. Find descriptions from the text to support your answer and provide evidence for your opinion.

Essay Topic 2

The theme of dual personalities is prevalent throughout the graphic novel. Select three of the major characters and explain how they experience dual personalities and in what manner they embrace their other halves. Find descriptions from the text to support your answer and provide evidence for your opinion.

Essay Topic 3

In the beginning of the graphic novel, how does the perspective of distance between the past and the present affect the main protagonist, Bruce Wayne? Analyze how Bruce Wayne's character has/has not changed during the years since the he decided to put Batman away.

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This section contains 1,036 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample