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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 does the narrator say Holston and his wife had “invited into their lives” in Chapter 1?

2. Allison says in Chapter 3 that there was a revolt just about how often?

3. What is Holston’s position of employment in the novel?

4. What word does Allison use in Chapter 3 to describe her supposition intended to the explain past events?

5. What word from Chapter 1 means to oscillate or move rhythmically and steadily to and fro?

Short Essay Questions

1. What “traitorous” notion does Allison present as a reason for the servers being wiped in Chapter 3?

2. From what narrative point of view is the story related? Is the narrative told in the past, present, or future tense?

3. What does Mayor Jahns say about the holding cell when she first arrives in Chapter 2?

4. What emotions does Holston feel as he discusses Allison’s theories in Chapter 3?

5. How is Holston said to relate to his memories of childhood in Chapter 1?

6. What is one example the use of simile in Chapter 1? What purpose does this example serve?

7. What does Holston notice about the view from the holding room in the beginning of Chapter 2?

8. What sounds are described in the beginning of Chapter 1? What tone do these sounds set for the narrative?

9. What is the theory that Allison presents to Holston in Chapter 3?

10. What is the principle setting of Wool? In what time period does the story take place?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the exchange between Holston and Mayor Jahns in Chapter 2. Based on this conversation, what can you surmise of the relationship between these characters? How long have they known one another? What is their past like?

Essay Topic 2

Plot Structure

a. Discuss the plot structure of Wool. In what ways is the narrative related and what effects does this have on the reader?

b. How does Wool compare with other novels written during this time period? Are there specific stylistic elements that can be seen in Howey’s writing?

Essay Topic 3

Describe the character of Deputy Marnes in Wool. How old is Deputy Marnes? How well does Marnes know Holston? How would you characterize their relationship?

(see the answer keys)

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