View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Which of the following does Jo NOT notice about her daughter?

2. Why does the police detective call and ask Jo to return to the station?

3. Why does Eli say he has confided in Jo?

4. What do Jo and Daniel do on Christmas Day?

5. When Dana was no longer interested in Eli, he agreed to get her to ______________________.

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the setting in which Eli killed Dana.

2. What are Jo's reactions after she leaves the police station?

3. Why is Daniel both relieved and upset when Jo updates him on the police's unwillingness to investigate Eli?

4. What are Jo's thoughts about Eli after they had coffee together?

5. How does the police detective respond when Jo tells him of Eli's murder confession?

6. How does Jo indicate by her actions in Boston what her intentions with Eli are?

7. Describe the pleasant evening Eli and Jean spend at Jo and Daniel's holiday party.

8. Why do Jo and Eli meet, and what do each of them say about their respective marriages?

9. Why is Jo almost pleased that Daniel threw the tomato at the wall next to her?

10. How does Jo not pick up on why Daniel is upset with her after she meets Eli?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss Miller's writing style. How is she different from other writers of her time? What are some of her characteristic writing techniques? Identify some examples of her classic style in WHILE I WAS GONE.

Essay Topic 2

Miller is a master of dramatic devices. Choose an example of symbolism, metaphor, and irony. Briefly describe each example, identifying the technique.

Essay Topic 3

The theme of struggling with personal identity is an important one in this novel. Describe how it extends through setting, character, and issues. Provide examples for each.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,179 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample