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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. Of what is Arvin aware concerning Pastor Teagardin?

2. What does Lenora wish for Arvin?

3. About what does Carl fantasize when he overhears two Republicans talking?

4. Who do Carl and Sandy pick up after their fourth young man?

5. Where are Roy and Theodore?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Sandy ask Carl to teach her to use the gun he bought her?

2. Where do Theodore and Roy move and how is Theodore?

3. What does Carl get Sandy and what is her reaction?

4. Describe Teagardin's seduction of Lenora.

5. How does Carl prepare for his and Sandy's next hunt?

6. What does Arvin notice about the new pastor?

7. How does Lenora accidentally commit suicide?

8. Why does Arvin beat up three local boys?

9. Where does Carl start hanging out and what is his reaction one night to a conversation between two Republicans?

10. What does Joe tell Sandy when he visits her at the bar one day and what is her reaction?

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

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 Devil All the Time" 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?

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,274 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample