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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. About what does Paloma contradict a teacher of hers?

2. What does Renee find not up to her standards?

3. What overwhelms Paloma?

4. What color is the dress Manuela borrows for Renee?

5. What makes Paloma feel hope?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who wakes Renee at seven and what does Renee tell the person?

2. With whom does Paloma have tea and how does she respond to the event?

3. Briefly describe Renee's dinner with Kakuro.

4. Why does Paloma prefer her aunt and uncle over her own parents?

5. Why does Paloma's mother take her to a therapist and what fascinates her about him?

6. What surprises Renee as she enters Kakuro's apartment and what does that make her consider?

7. What does Renee think of Kakuro's bathroom and what surprises her about it?

8. What does Renee do when a package comes for Columbe?

9. Why does Paloma displease a teacher at her school?

10. What does Paloma want of Renee when she comes to Renee's door at eight?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Many readers of fiction place themselves in the position of one character, wondering if they would do the same thing as that character. Discuss the following:

1. Do you think one of the values of literature is to serve as a reflection of oneself? Why or why not?

2. Socrates said "Know thyself." How can reading a book such as "The Elegance of the Hedgehog" help a reader to know him/herself? Do you find yourself reflecting on your own character and abilities when reading "The Elegance of the Hedgehog"? Why or why not.

3. Choose one specific incident in this book to discuss and compare one of the characters' response to how you think you would respond.

Essay Topic 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

1. What is foreshadowing? How many incidences of foreshadowing are in "The Elegance of the Hedgehog"? How does foreshadowing contribute to a book's suspense?

2. Discuss an example of foreshadowing in "The Elegance of the Hedgehog" including why you believe it is foreshadowing. Include examples from the book and your own life to illustrate your answer.

3. How do you think most people react to uncertainty in their lives? Use examples from "The Elegance of the Hedgehog" and your own live to support your opinion.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 907 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample