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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. About what does Denise complain concerning Dwight?

2. What does Addie say when Dwight asks her to visit?

3. What does Addie use to pack her clothes in for the weekend?

4. What does Hannah ask Addie if Addie would like to do?

5. What does Addie think her mother is doing as Addie opens her presents?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the conversation between Addie and Ms. Rivera.

2. How does Addie compare herself to Brynna and what is Dwight's response?

3. What do Soula and Elliot give Addie for Christmas and what is Addie's response?

4. What does Grandio give Addie and how does she react?

5. What makes Addie sad when she witnesses Dwight and Hannah putting the Littles to bed?

6. What business does Hannah have and how do the girls help Hannah in the business?

7. What does Addie tell Mommers about the flute and how does Denise respond?

8. What does Denise ask Addie concerning Dwight's house and what is Addie's response?

9. What is the dress like that Mommers buys Addie for her recital and what is Addie's response?

10. Why does Addie back out of playing at the concert?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Choose one of the following to discuss:

1. Choose two significant symbols and trace and analyze their appearance in "Waiting for Normal". 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 Connor 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 Connor chooses the metaphors she does?

3. Discuss Connor'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 Connor 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).

Essay Topic 2

Often, authors will write about "what they know," and sometimes knowing a little about the author makes the books more interesting. Discuss the following:

1. Research and give a brief biographical sketch of Leslie Connor.

2. What in Connor's background may have helped her in writing "Waiting for Normal"? What may have influenced the way she depicts various characters and scenes?

3. Do you think there is always some of the author's own life in his/her novels? Why or why not? Give examples.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the following:

1. Who is/are the protagonists of the story and why?

2. Who is/are the antagonists of the story and why?

3. Which 3 secondary characters have the greatest impact on the plot?

4. Are any of the characters dispensable and which ones? Why or why not?

5. Do you think this is a character-driven plot or an action-driven plot? Explain.

(see the answer keys)

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