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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 is the annual event about which Stew Meat starts his story?

2. What does Polly spend time doing at recess?

3. How often does Blinn say he visits Coven Tree?

4. How does Polly react to Leland and Lenora's label?

5. What is Polly's reaction?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Sam react to hearing Henry Piper's name?

2. What does Rowena take Henry for breakfast and how does he like it?

3. What is the Coven Tree Church Social and who is allowed to set up a booth there?

4. What does Rowena hear in the woods and what does she find?

5. About what does Polly begin to worry and what does she decide to do?

6. What does Polly talk about at tea, and what do Eunice and Agatha talk about?

7. What types of people have sometimes come through Coven Tree and who is one such person the narrator mentions?

8. For whom is this book written and what is it about?

9. What does Polly want to ask her mother and why is she reluctant to do so?

10. What does Polly worry about the next morning and how is she initially reassured?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There are a number of interesting questions raised by "The Wish Giver". Questions that Brittain most likely want readers to consider and think through carefully. Discuss the following:

1. What does the term "author agenda" mean?

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

4. Research the life of Brittain and see if/where his life may have influenced his writing.

Essay Topic 2

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 Wish Giver" 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.

Essay Topic 3

Choose one of the following to discuss:

1. Choose two significant symbols and trace and analyze their appearance in "The Wish Giver". 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 Brittain 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 Brittain chooses the metaphors she does?

3. Discuss Brittain's use (or lack ) of literary device (such as foreshadowing, cliffhangers, deux ex machina, etc.), and how they add or detract from the story. Does Brittain 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).

(see the answer keys)

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