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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 Calli see as she is running through the woods for help?

2. How do the men get down the bluff?

3. What does Ben notice as he relaxes?

4. When do Martin and his wife refuse to let Petra visit Calli?

5. Why does Ben stay with Petra?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Calli's perspective of running for help and arriving to see Louis and her mom?

2. What does Calli think about Mr. Wilson?

3. What does Louis think of doing in the next election and what does he think will be some people's reaction?

4. How does Ben realize Petra is alive, and what does Ben decide to do?

5. What does Louis point out about Roper and himself as far as conflicts of interests are concerned?

6. What time does Ben think about when he was nine.

7. Why does Louis' wife call him and what does she say?

8. What day does Calli think about that included Petra, Lucky and Sergeant?

9. What do Louis' thoughts reveal about his relationship with Christine?

10. What happens after Calli said her brother's name?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Oftentimes, a book has more of a character-driven plot rather than action driven, and oftentimes the other way. Some books seem to balance the two. Discuss the following:

1. What do you think it means to say that a plot is character driven? Action driven?

2. How do you think a plot differs if it is character driven versus action driven?

3. Which type of plot do you find more interesting? Why?

4. Do you think it is possible to have a plot where action and character development share equal time? Why or why not.

5. What type of plot do you think The Weight of Silence is? Explain your response.

Essay Topic 2

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

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

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 Weight of Silence 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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