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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. How can one access the cave where Gunderson is?

2. What does Rick hear when he approaches Carlile's camp?

3. What does the judge acknowledge exists at Blue Canyon?

4. Of what does the judge remind Rick?.

5. What does Rick do a number of times before being successful?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Rick do after he hears the men talking about Lon?

2. What does Rick do to find Lon and how does Carlile try to stop him?

3. How does Rick hike in the Maze and what does he find there? Why is Lon excited when Rick returns from the maze?

4. How does Rick find Lon, and how does he rescue him?

5. What does Carlile tell Lon about gunshots he and Rick hear and what does Lon tell Rick to do when they leave Carlile's camp?

6. What does Rick tell the judge, and what is the final disposition of Rick's case?

7. How does Rick help Lon after Lon captures M4?

8. How does Rick feel when he hang glides with Lon the first time and what does Lon tell him to do? How does Rick feel after he is settled on the glider?

9. What does Rick learn has happened with Lon?

10. How does Rick end up getting chased by Nuke's dog, and how does he manage to get away?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There are a number of interesting questions raised by "The Maze", questions that Hobbs most likely wanted the readers to consider and think through carefully. Discuss the following:

1. Name one idea/concept you think may have been a part of the author's agenda. Analyze that idea throughout the book and discuss Hobbs' 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?

Essay Topic 2

Many novels, and perhaps a majority, of novels ends on a happy note. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think many (most?) people want what they perceive as a happy or good ending to a novel? Explain your opinion. Do you? Why or why not?

2. What are three reasons to read fiction? Discuss each one in light of "The Maze" and whether or not it fulfills all three, two or one of the reasons you mention. Give examples as to why "The Maze" is or is not successful in fulfilling the reasons you discuss.

3. Do you think reading solely for entertainment is as good a reason to read as any other? Why or why not? Can any work of fiction or non-fiction, no matter how poorly written, enlighten, teach, stimulate thought? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Characters are an integral and important part of almost all novels. Discuss the following:

1. Compare/contrast the characters of Rick and Lon. How are they similar? How are they different? Is there a flaw in each of their personalities? Be specific and give examples.

2. Compare/contrast the characters of Lon and Nuke. How do they seem different? Which do you like more? Why? Which one seems more of a well-rounded character?

3. Thoroughly analyze how three of the secondary characters in "The Maze" help drive the plot and what their contribution is to the storyline. Are any of the secondary characters unnecessary? Indispensable? Which of the secondary characters are likable? Which are either unlikable or even despicable? Be specific and give examples.

(see the answer keys)

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