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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 has Barlow done recently?

2. How are the Englishmen described?

3. What is Megalopolitan?

4. What do the various zones on the grounds in the funeral home represent?

5. With what is Sir Francis having difficulty?

Short Essay Questions

1. What was the pinnacle of Sir Francis' life?

2. How does Dennis respond to finding a dead Sir Francis?

3. How does Barlow compare the facades of Hollywood sets to the front of Whispering Glades?

4. Why does Sir Ambrose think Sir Francis loses his job?

5. What does Aimée reveal about herself when she encounters Dennis on the island?

6. What does Sir Francis Hinsley say about Americans?

7. What do the men discuss about Juanita del Pablo?

8. What does Dennis see as he walks among the graves?

9. What does Mr. Joyboy say about working on infants?

10. Why is Mr. Schultz displeased with Dennis and how does Dennis try to convince Mr. Schultz to feel otherwise?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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

3. Choose one specific incident in The Loved One to discuss and compare one of the characters' response to how you think you would respond.

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 Loved One, 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 Loved One. (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

The Loved One belongs to the satirical novel genre. Discuss the following:

1. Define the literary term "genre" and give several examples of three other genres in addition to the satirical novel 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 satirical novel and a historical novel mystery?

(see the answer keys)

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