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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. In which state does Minnie have land?

2. How many people arrive for Independence Day at the fair?

3. Holmes believes he is taking on the characteristics of __________.

4. Why did Burnham ignore most of Olmsted's advice?

5. Who of the following is one of the first people to take a ride on the Ferris wheel?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does the Exposition influence America?

2. How does Holmes seduce Georgianna?

3. What eventually happens to the Ferris wheel?

4. Describe Prendergast's visit to the City Hall.

5. What do Minnie and Anna see at the fair?

6. What happens in Mr. Chamberlain's office in the Departure chapter?

7. In what way can the characters of Burnham and Holmes be compared?

8. What is Holmes's plan in the Independence Day chapter?

9. What eventually happens to Burnham and his wife?

10. Describe the Spanish Royal Emissary's visit to Chicago.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What potential problems does Burnham face? What is the worst problem and how can he solve it? Is Burnham the right man for the job and, if so, why is he the right man?

Essay Topic 2

Devil in the White City is part of the true crime genre.

1) What are the conventions of the true crime genre in terms of character, language and plot?

2) In what way did White City help to set the template for similar novels? Do modern novels still use the ideas used in White City?

Essay Topic 3

Look at the novel's characterization. How well drawn do you think Larson's characters are? Select one of the minor characters such as Mrs. Lawrence and discuss how much you know about her background. How does Larson provide the reader with information about that character?

(see the answer keys)

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