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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 Allison say she wants to do when Holston tries talking to her as she’s detained on the floor in Chapter 5?

2. What color overwhelms the surroundings of the world outside the silo when Holston exits for his cleaning in Chapter 6?

3. How many cameras are described atop the tower of the silo in Chapter 6?

4. What is Nelson dressing Holston in, in the beginning of Chapter 4?

5. What word from Chapter 4 refers to the state of disrepair or ruin as a result of age or neglect?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Where did Holston watch Allison’s cleaning from? What does the narrator say Allison did when she completed the cleaning in Chapter 4?

3. What “forbidden words” does Allison say in Chapter 5? How does Holston respond?

4. How are Holston’s memories of the second anniversary of Allison’s departure described in Chapter 6?

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

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

7. Why is Holston’s entering the holding cell a dangerous action in Chapter 5? Why does he commit this action?

8. What surroundings does Holston find himself after exiting the silo in Chapter 6?

9. Whom does Allison believe to be responsible for keeping secrets in Chapter 5?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the narrative shifts of time frame throughout the novel. Why does the author implement the use of flashback as opposed to relating these events through exposition? What effect does this have on the reader?

Essay Topic 2

Describe the character of Nelson in the narrative. What does the author reveal about Nelson’s history in Chapter 4? How well do Holston and Nelson know one another? How would you characterize their relationship?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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