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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 amazes some of Sutton's friends?

2. What does Sutton want to know?

3. How does Emma get to Sabino Canyon?

4. What does Emma think about concerning Becky?

5. What does Emma try to tell Mrs. Mercer?

Short Essay Questions

1. With whom does Emma go shopping and what does she learn from the girl?

2. What "prank" is played upon Nisha?

3. What happens when Mrs. Mercer wakes Emma the next morning?

4. Why does Emma go to the park and who does she meet there who ends up playing tennis with Emma?

5. What happened to Sutton over the summer?

6. Where do Sutton's friends drag Emma?

7. What does Emma hope about Sutton as Emma is being dragged to the party and how does Emma try to contact Sutton?

8. What is Emma's current foster situation like?

9. What was Becky like when Emma lived with her?

10. Who does Emma meet outside and what does Sutton vaguely recall about the young man?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the following:

1. Who is/are the protagonists of the story and why?

2. Who is/are the antagonists of the story and why?

3. Which 3 secondary characters have the greatest impact on the plot?

4. Are any of the characters dispensable and which ones? Why or why not?

5. Do you think this is a character-driven plot or an action-driven plot? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

Choose one of the following to discuss:

1. Choose two significant symbols and trace and analyze their appearance in The Lying Game. 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 Shepard 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 Shepard chooses the metaphors she does?

3. Discuss Shepard'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 Shepard 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).

Essay Topic 3

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

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

(see the answer keys)

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