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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. Who is the first hitchhiker mentioned in Chapter 10?

2. What happens despite the sacrifice of the lawyer?

3. What type of gun does Willard own?

4. Who is Jack?

5. What does Willard begin doing again?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens when Arvin turns ten and how does Willard plan to fix it?

2. Who are Sandy and Carl and what are they doing?

3. Why does Emma believe God will not hold her to her bargain about Willard?

4. What happens to the young, attractive soldier that Carl and Sandy pick up?

5. What would keep Willard from coming out to the prayer clearing and what does Arvin think of either activity?

6. With whom is Henry's wife committing adultery and with whom does Henry say he'd like to commit adultery?

7. What happens one night when Willard wakes Arvin?

8. What does Willard decide to do as Charlotte's health deteriorates?

9. What does Arvin start to do when he hears someone nearby and what is his father's reaction? How does Arvin feel what his father tells him to do?

10. Where is Willard going and what is he thinking about as he travels in Chapter 1?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

One of the most intriguing and engaging aspects of the narrative is the depth and texture to the writing - specifically, its use of imagery and motif to illustrate its thematic and narrative points. One repeated motif of dark and destructive sexuality has already been discussed. Another appears for the first time here in Helen's decision to marry Roy, that motif or image being that of a lonely woman giving herself to an unworthy, destructive man. The motif repeats later in the relationship between Carl and Sandy.

1. Discuss reasons why a woman might marry a destructive man. Use examples from your life and the text to support your answer.

2. Discuss what the above paragraph means by imagery and motif to illustrate a theme. Use examples from your life and the text to support your answer.

3. How do you think destructive sexuality might affect a person's life? Use examples from your life and the text to support your answer.

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 Devil All the Time", 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 Devil All the Time. (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

Choose one of the following to discuss:

1. Choose two significant symbols and trace and analyze their appearance in "The Devil All the Time". Are these universal symbols? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other symbols that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think Pollock chooses the symbols he does?

2. Choose two important metaphors and trace and analyze their appearance in the novel. Are these universal metaphors? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other metaphors that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think Pollock chooses the metaphors he does?

3. Discuss Pollock's use (or lack ) of literary device (such as foreshadowing, cliff hangers, deux ex machina, etc.), and how they add or detract from the story. Does Pollock use too many or too little literary techniques? State which of the five major elements of fiction the literary device is related to (style, character, plot, setting, theme).

(see the answer keys)

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