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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. Where do the spriggans say Ell and Saturday probably have gone?

2. What does September do when she clasps Saturday to her?

3. Who is dressed in a smart suit in September's dream?

4. What does September realize she has to do?

5. What do Saturday and September do?

Short Essay Questions

1. Where do the Marquess and September ride and what does the Marquess show September?

2. What does Dr. Fallow tell September about the foods she's been eating, and how does September react?

3. What dreams do September and Death discuss?

4. What does Gleam learn of Saturday and Ell?

5. How can September help Ell?

6. What does Nor tell September about everyone in the town and how September is like them?

7. What does September tell Ell and Saturday?

8. Where does September send Gleam and what does September do in the meantime?

9. What is the Casket and who made it?

10. Who arrives to greet the visitors to Autumn and what is special about them?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Often, authors will write about "what they know," and sometimes knowing a little about the author makes the books more interesting. Discuss the following:

1. Research and give a brief biographical sketch of Catherynne M. Valente.

2. What in Valente's background may have helped her in writing The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland? What may have influenced the way she depicts various characters and scenes?

3. Do you think there is always some of the author's own life in his/her novels? Why or why not? Give examples.

Essay Topic 2

Choose one of the following to discuss:

1. Choose two significant symbols and trace and analyze their appearance in The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland. Are these universal symbols? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other symbols that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think Valente chooses the symbols she does?

2. Choose two important metaphors and trace and analyze their appearance in the novel. Are these universal metaphors? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other metaphors that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think Valente chooses the metaphors she does?

3. Discuss Valente's use (or lack ) of literary device (such as foreshadowing, cliffhangers, deux ex machina, others), and how they add or detract from the story. Does Valente use too many or too few literary techniques? State which of the five major elements of fiction the literary device is related to (style, character, plot, setting, theme).

Essay Topic 3

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 Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland help a reader to know him/herself? Do you find yourself reflecting on your own character and abilities when reading The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland? Why or why not.

3. Choose one specific incident in The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland to discuss and compare one of the characters' response to how you think you would respond.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,033 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample