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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. In Chapter 11, how high does Landor have Poe climb in the icehouse?

2. Who does Stoddard remember in his family slit his throat?

3. In Chapter 5, how long is it before Fry's parents are expected?

4. In Chapter 13, how far from the guard post does Poe dismount from Landor's horse?

5. In Chapter 3, how old is the West Point hospital?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who found Cadet Fry's body, and what does he say about finding the body?

2. How was Landor summoned to West Point in Chapter 1?

3. Who is Professor Pawpaw?

4. Why does Landor write to Henry Kirke Reid on October 30, 1830?

5. Why are Thayer and Hitchcock reluctant to have Landor engage Poe to be his eyes and ears, an informer, among the cadets?

6. What happens at West Point at 4 p.m.?

7. What is Professor Pawpaw's cottage like outside?

8. Why is Landor staying at Mr. Cozzens' hotel in Chapter 4?

9. Why has Superintendent Thayer not called in the military authorities to investigate the death and mutilation of Cadet Fry?

10. How is Fry's body preserved until his parents can arrive?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Idioms are words that have a figurative, rather than a literal meaning. How are idioms used in The Pale Blue Eye to help characters communicate? How do idioms help create word pictures and mental images for readers in a concise manner? How do idioms help readers understand characters, emotions, and ideas?

Essay Topic 2

Colors are sometimes associated with mood. If you could assign a color to represent the mood The Pale Blue Eye, what color would it be? Why? Would you choose different colors to describe the mood in different sections?

Essay Topic 3

Poe is heard to say that he wants to kill Ballinger. What is the relationship between Ballinger and Poe? Why does Hitchcock suspect Poe when Ballinger dies?

(see the answer keys)

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