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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 is wrong with Loomis at the opening of Chapter 10?

2. What does Ann do after putting Loomis back in bed in the morning?

3. Why hasn't Ann written in her journal for quite some time?

4. What does Loomis demand about dinner?

5. Why does Ann think she needs to go back to the house?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens to Mr. Loomis at the opening to Chapter 10?

2. Why does Mr. Loomis frighten Ann as she is playing the piano?

3. How has Mr. Loomis' illness progressed in Chapter 11, and what does he talk about while delirious?

4. What routine do Ann and Mr. Loomis follow for the next ten days?

5. Why does Mr. Loomis become angry and what does Ann decide to do?

6. Where does Ann go in Chapter 12 and what does she find and do?

7. What does Ann observe the next day as she is watching the house and what does she think about?

8. What does Mr. Loomis say he remembers while delirious?

9. What do Loomis and Ann discuss concerning the fertilizer?

10. What happens when Ann goes back to the farm to speak to Mr. Loomis and what does Ann realize?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the following:

1. What is a plot? What are the most important elements of a plot and their definition? Do all novels have a plot? Why or why not?

2. Write a brief synopsis of the plot of Z for Zachariah, identifying where the various elements of the plot occur (Exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution or denouement). Do you find it difficult to identify the plot? Why or why not? What about the various elements of the plot?

3. Identify the major sub-plots and their elements (They may not contain every element of a major plot). Do the sub-plots add to the main plot? Why or why not. Are the sub-plots interesting in and of themselves? Why or why not.

Essay Topic 2

In most fiction, readers would like all the loose ends to be neatly "tied up." Discuss the following:

1. Do you think Z for Zachariah is successful as an apocalyptic novel? Why or why not?

2. What about this book would motivate you to read another apocalyptic novel? What would discourage you from doing so?

3. Were all the "loose ends" satisfactorily settled for you? Why or why not?

4. Do you think that a reader expects that not all loose ends are tied up in a book in a series, unless it's the last book?

Essay Topic 3

When one reads any novel (or anything at all), one brings everything from one's own past and present to the novel and in how one responds to what s/he is reading. Discuss the following:

1. How influential do you think a reader's own emotions, education, ideas and experiences influence how the reader responds to a work of fiction?

2. What about your life do you think influences you in reading Z for Zachariah? How does it influence you?

3. Do you think there is only one interpretation for any book? Give a detailed discussion in your response.

4. Do you think fiction can precipitate change in a reader? Is the change usually temporary or long lasting? Discuss your response thoroughly.

(see the answer keys)

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