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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 Holston grab above him in order to pull himself to a standing position as Nelson dresses him in Chapter 4?

2. Who, along with two staff employees, is holding Allison down on the floor when Holston arrives in the beginning of Chapter 5?

3. What does Holston recall Allison doing after finishing her cleaning in Chapter 4?

4. What word from Chapter 6 refers to a plant or substance that is capable of causing death or illness if taking into the body?

5. When Holston looks back at the silo from the outside in Chapter 6, “All that stood behind him was a small mound of concrete, a tower” no more than how many feet tall?

Short Essay Questions

1. What response does Holston have when Nelson asks him at the end of Chapter 4, “You okay? Anything too tight?”

2. What does Holston do after performing the cleaning duty in Chapter 6?

3. What is the setting and time frame of Chapter 5? What is Holston doing in the opening of the chapter?

4. How would you describe Holston’s emotional state in the end of Chapter 6?

5. How is Allison’s death described in Chapter 4?

6. Why does Allison tell Holston she will return to the silo in Chapter 5?

7. What is the setting and time frame established in the opening of Chapter 6? What is Holston doing in the beginning of the chapter?

8. Why does Holston make the decision to keep on his helmet as he departs in Chapter 6?

9. What does Allison initially say to Holston when she begins to talk in the holding cell in Chapter 5?

10. What does Holston note about the fear he sees in Nelson’s eyes in Chapter 4?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the theme of loss in Wool. How does this theme relate to Holston? How does “loss” affect all of the inhabitants of the silo? What symbols in the novel relate to this theme?

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

Define the elements of plot structure, including: exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and denouement. Where in the narrative does the exposition transition to the rising action? Where does the climax take place? How would you describe the falling action and denouement of the story?

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