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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. What does Linh say Darrow must be getting?

2. Who does a soldier say were heroes?

3. What does Helen say Linh had done?

4. What does Linh believe giving in to Thao's seduction will be?

5. Where is Robert sent?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens with Robert?

2. What happens the morning after summer festivities and how does Helen feel about it?

3. Describe Helen and Darrow's visit to a Red Cross camp.

4. Why do Tanner and Darrow get into a fight?

5. What happens when Helen goes out on assignment with Captain Olsen?

6. What does Robert ask Helen and what is her response?

7. Where do Linh and Helen go and what is happening with Darrow?

8. Who is Thao and what does she feel towards Linh and Helen?

9. What does Darrow's wife win the right to do?

10. What happens between Darrow and Tanner at the party and what does Darrow tell Helen about Tanner?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There are a number of interesting questions raised by The Lotus Eaters. Questions that Soli most likely want readers to consider and think through carefully. Discuss the following:

1. What does the term "author agenda" mean?

2. Name one idea/concept you think may have been a part of the Soli' agenda. Analyze that idea throughout the book and discuss Soli' probable agenda concerning that idea.

2. Do you think writers who have an agenda for writing should point it out in a preface?

3. How often do you think fiction is written with a clear agenda in mind by the author?

4. Research the life of Soli and see if/where his life may have influenced his writing.

Essay Topic 2

The Lotus Eaters belongs to the historical fiction genre. Discuss the following:

1. Define the literary term "genre" and give several examples of three other genres in addition to the historical fiction genre.

2. Discuss two reasons why it might be useful to label a text by genre and two reasons it might be disadvantageous to label a text by genre.

3. What do you think is the difference between a historical fiction and a mystery?

Essay Topic 3

Choose one of the following to discuss:

1. Choose two significant symbols and trace and analyze their appearance in The Lotus Eaters. 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 Soli chooses the symbols he 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 Soli chooses the metaphors she does?

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

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 998 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample