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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. How many reasons does Addie say she has to change her life again?

2. How does Dwight feel about Addie?

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

4. Where does Addie have lunch?

5. By what numbers does Hannah say she lived her life thus far?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Who meets Addie at Lake George and why is it okay that her paper bag of clothes breaks?

3. How does Addie react when she finds Hannah making breakfast the next morning?

4. What does Mommers say that completely dumbfounds Addie when Addie is talking to Mommers?

5. What does Denise say about Addie visiting Grandio and Dwight's family over Thanksgiving?

6. How does Hannah sum up her past to Addie?

7. About what does Addie reminisce when she arrives at Grandio's?

8. Describe Addie's Christmas with her mother.

9. What is Elliot installing in the mini-mart and what does Soula think of it?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Many novels, and perhaps a majority, of novels ends on a happy note. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think many (most?) people want what they perceive as a happy or good ending to a novel? Explain your opinion. Do you? Why or why not?

2. What are three reasons to read fiction? Discuss each one in light of "Waiting for Normal" and whether or not it fulfills all three, two or one of the reasons you mention. Give examples as to why "Waiting for Normal" is or is not successful in fulfilling the reasons you discuss.

3. Do you think reading solely for entertainment is as good a reason to read as any other? Why or why not? Can any work of fiction or non-fiction, no matter how poorly written, enlighten, teach, stimulate thought? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Over the course of "Waiting for Normal", Addie grows as a person in both complexity and understanding. "Waiting for Normal" might be considered a slice of Addie's larger story, of her "coming of age." It might be said that this novel is a "bildungsroman" of Addie Schmeeter. Discuss the following:

1. Define Bildungsroman, or "Coming of Age," and give several examples from literature you have read.

2. Trace and analyze the character of Addie as she changes from a more carefree, innocent girl to a wiser young girl. What are the significant events that change Addie?

3. After thoroughly analyzing Addie's growth throughout Waiting for Normal, do you think "Waiting for Normal" could be considered Addie's Coming of Age story? Why or why not?

4. Are there any other characters in "Waiting for Normal" who go through a Coming of Age experience? Who? Why do you think so?

Essay Topic 3

Characters are an important part of what makes Waiting for Normal interesting. Discuss the following:

1. Thoroughly discuss and analyze Addie. What are her strengths? Her weaknesses? How does she contribute to the plot? Is she a sympathetic character? Is she ever likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

2. Thoroughly discuss and analyze Denise. What are her strengths? Her weaknesses? How does she contribute to the plot? Is she a sympathetic character? Is she ever likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

3. Thoroughly discuss and analyze the character of Dwight. What are his strengths? His weaknesses? How does he contribute to the plot? Is he a sympathetic character? Is he ever likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

(see the answer keys)

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