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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 space between comic panels called?

2. What was the title of the sequel to "A Harlot's Progress?"

3. What were innovative characteristics of Rudolphe Töpffer's work?

4. Which of the following icons has a fixed and absolute meaning?

5. Using the pictorial vocabulary pyramid, Mary Fleener's style is NOT typically comprised of ________.

Short Essay Questions

1. How do Japanese comics physically differ from Western comics?

2. What is McCloud's notion of the Picture Plane?

3. Why is "juxtaposed static images in deliberate sequence" not a thorough definition of comics?

4. Does McCloud think that non-sequitur transitions are possible?

5. Is a single image equivalent to a single instant in time?

6. For what do Japanese mainstream comics use aspect-to-aspect transitions?

7. What is the difference between the art form ("medium") and the content?

8. In the panel with the basketball players, how could you add words while depicting one single moment?

9. Give examples of the three different types of icons.

10. According to McCloud, why is closure important?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In aspect-to-aspect transitions, McCloud says that nothing "happens." Is presenting different aspects of a place important to storytelling? Why or why not? Do you think McCloud is accurate in saying that this kind of transition does not move the narrative along?

Essay Topic 2

Many symbols are used in comics to convey the invisible, such as emotions and feelings. What is required for the creation of a symbol, such as wavy lines representing smell? What is required for this symbol to be sustained over time?

Essay Topic 3

McCloud explains how you introduce time in comics by way of the depiction of time and the perception of time. Compare and contrast the two strategies. Does a preponderance of one or the other affect the end outcome?

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