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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 does Willard explain to his son about Willard's actions?

2. How is Reverend Sykes characterized?

3. What does Bodecker recall about a night he passed out drunk?

4. Who does Willard's mother promise God to marry Willard off to if he survived the war?

5. What does Arvin do for hours one night when his father sends him to the prayer log?

Short Essay Questions

1. Where is Arvin joining his father?

2. How does Carl convince young men to have sex with Sandy and what does Carl do after they have sex?

3. What do the two hunters loudly discuss and what is Willard's reaction?

4. What does Roy do that causes the crowd to panic?

5. Why does Carl wake up drenched in sweat?

6. Describe the church revival Willard attends with Emma.

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

8. About what does Deputy Sheriff Bodecker fantasize?

9. Why does Willard decide to move his family and how does Charlotte feel about the idea?

10. What does Willard confess to Emma and what is Emma's reaction?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Characters are an integral and important part of almost all novels. Discuss the following:

1. Compare/contrast the characters of Arvin and Willard. 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 Emma and Sandy. 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 Devil All the Time 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 2

Characters are an important part of what makes "The Devil All the Time" interesting. Discuss the following:

1. Thoroughly discuss and analyze Arvin. What are his strengths? His weaknesses? How does he contribute to the plot? Is he a sympathetic character? Is he always likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

2. Thoroughly discuss and analyze the character of Sandy. What are her strengths? Her weaknesses? How does she contribute to the plot? Is she a sympathetic character? Is she ever likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

3. Thoroughly discuss and analyze the character of Carl. What are his strengths? His weaknesses? How does he contribute to the plot? Is he a sympathetic character? Is he ever likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the following:

1. Who is/are the protagonists of the story and why?

2. Who is/are the antagonists of the story and why?

3. Which 3 secondary characters have the greatest impact on the plot?

4. Are any of the characters dispensable and which ones? Why or why not?

5. Do you think this is a character-driven plot or an action-driven plot? Explain

(see the answer keys)

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