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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. Why is Renee embarrassed?

2. What is Paloma escaping?

3. What makes Paloma wonder what else a person might ignore?

4. What Japanese tradition does Kakuro explain?

5. Why is Paloma surprised that the new tenant wants to have tea with her mother?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Renee think about art in Chapters 10 and 11?

2. Why is Manuela happy about the new tenant?

3. How does Renee give herself away as far as her intelligence to the new tenant?

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

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

6. What does Kakuro send Renee and what does she do?

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

8. What does Paul Nguyen tell Renee when he comes to her door and what is Renee's response?

9. What does Renee think is wrong with Columbe's thesis and why?

10. How does Renee obtain a dress for her date and what disturbs her about the dress?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the following:

1. What do you think are the characteristics of a successful novel?

2. Analyze and discuss "The Elegance of the Hedgehog" based upon the criteria you decide upon in #1 and judge if it is a successful novel.

3. Do you think the criteria for a successful novel should be different if it is written for adults versus young adults? Why or why not? Would most adults consider "The Elegance of the Hedgehog" a successful novel? What about young teens?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Discuss one of the following:

1. Thoroughly analyze how the setting informs the plot in "The Elegance of the Hedgehog".

2. Trace and analyze one major theme of this book. How is the theme represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

3. Trace and analyze two secondary themes of "The Elegance of the Hedgehog". How are the themes represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

(see the answer keys)

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