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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 are there no mirrors in Leni's house in Chapter 15?

2. What is described as Cora's favorite movie in Chapter 21?

3. How old is Leni's grandfather described as being in Chapter 25?

4. What is the name of Leni's grandfather?

5. When is the newspaper article that Matthew set aside as a birthday gift for Leni dated?

Short Essay Questions

1. What conflict leads to Ernt's death?

2. When and where does Part 3 of the novel begin?

3. How does Leni respond to her home environment when she is released from the hospital in Part 2?

4. How does Tom react when he meets Leni at the jail?

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

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

7. What does Large Marge do upon entering the courthouse in Chapter 30?

8. What plan do Leni and Cora devise immediately after Ernt's death?

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

10. How is the courtroom described in Chapter 30?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the theme/motif of literature in The Great Alone. What are some of the literary references and/or allusions made by the author in the text? How do these literary works connect to this novel thematically? How do these references help to develop the characters in the story?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the themes of forbidden love and deception in The Great Alone. What characters deceive one another in the narrative? Do you think these characters are justified in their deception? Why or why not? How is forbidden love connected to the theme of deception?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the themes of grief, shame, and repression in The Great Alone. Through what characters does the author largely explore these themes? How? What statements do you think the author is making regarding grief, shame, and repression?

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