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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 does Darrow put his camera down during a battle?

2. When does Linh first spot Helen?

3. What does Helen find as she is returning to her apartment?

4. What is Helen's hope concerning herself and Linh?

5. In what kind of unit is Frank MacCrae serving?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens to Linh after Helen leaves him and what does Linh think about the events of the day?

2. How does Helen meet Darrow and what happens when she does?

3. Why did Helen's brother go to Vietnam?

4. What happens when Linh meets his first American?

5. How does Linh feel when he sees a picture of Helen and Darrow and why does he feel that way? What does he think about the picture?

6. What was Linh's life like before he was drafted into the army?

7. What does Helen do with her bags in the motel and why does she do it?

8. What happens when Helen and Linh board a medical helicopter?

9. What is Helen's first assignment from Gary?

10. What happens and who does Helen meet the first time she goes into the field with Darrow?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss one of the following:

1. Thoroughly analyze how the setting informs the plot in The Lotus Eaters.

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

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

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the following:

1. What is a plot? What are the most important elements of a plot and their definition? Do all novels have a plot? Why or why not?

2. Write a brief synopsis of the plot of The Lotus Eaters, identifying where the various elements of the plot occur (Exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution or denouement). Do you find it difficult to identify the plot? Why or why not? What about the various elements of the plot?

3. Identify the major sub-plots and their elements in The Lotus Eaters. (The subplots may not contain every element of a major plot). Do the sub-plots add to the main plot? Why or why not. Are the sub-plots interesting in and of themselves? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Titles often play a vital role in making a person decide to read a particular book. Discuss the following:

1. Fully explain why you think The Lotus Eaters is titled as such. Do you think it is the best title for the book? Why or why not? Can you think of a better title? Why would you choose it?

2. How important is a title in influencing you to consider reading a book? Explain your answer.

3. Do you think a title needs to have direct relevance to a book's content? Explain your answer.

4. Have you ever read a book that when you finished, you do not understand the relevance of the title? Does it discourage you from "trusting" that particular author again?

(see the answer keys)

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