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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. From what book does Renee quote after meeting Kakuro?

2. What overwhelms Paloma?

3. What does Manuela say about Renee's looks when Renee dons her borrowed dress?

4. Why does Renee invite Paloma into her apartment?

5. What does Paloma wonder what might be the true movement of the world?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

9. What does Kakuro want when he comes to Renee's apartment, and what is her response?

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

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.

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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