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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 what month does Chapter 14 begin?

2. What are described as the most destructive forces on earth in Chapter 20?

3. Where is Cora working in Chapter 27?

4. How tall is Matthew said to be in Chapter 14?

5. What does Cora trade with the water taxi driver in exchange for his service?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Ernt begin building after Mad Earl's funeral? Why?

2. How does Matthew escape in Chapter 20?

3. Why does Matthew tell Aly that he wants to return to Kaneq in Chapter 14?

4. What conflict emerges at Mad Earl's funeral?

5. Where does Leni go when she arrives in Homer? Why?

6. How does Leni manage to meet up with Matthew in Chapter 19? What happens when they do?

7. Why does Leni write a personal statement in Chapter 17? What is revealed in it?

8. What guilt does Cora struggle with in Part 3?

9. What is the significance of the article titled "My Alaska" in Part 2?

10. How does Matthew become seriously injured in Part 2?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the impacts of alcoholism and post-traumatic stress disorder as explored in The Great Alone. What led to Ernt's PTSD? How did it change him? How does alcohol factor into Ernt's actions and behavior?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the theme of domestic abuse in The Great Alone. What are the impacts of domestic abuse on Cora? What are the impacts of domestic abuse on Leni? What struggles do these characters face in regard to escaping a violent and abusive home?

Essay Topic 3

List three examples of symbolism in The Great Alone and discuss what they represent. Why does the author employ this symbolism? How does each symbol connect to the novel's themes? How does symbolism connect to the main characters in the story?

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