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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 Ann notice on her way down to the farm on the new route?

2. Why does Ann decide to kill one of the older hens?

3. What does Ann wonder about as far as her conflict with Loomis?

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

5. What does Loomis tell Ann he heard while delirious?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Why does Ann think she can return to the fields to work and why does Loomis yell at her?

4. What does Ann finally piece together about Edward and Loomis?

5. Why does Mr. Loomis use the tractor to go to the store?

6. What do Ann and Mr. Loomis argue about concerning the crops?

7. How does Mr. Loomis express his anger and what does Ann do?

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

9. What does Ann bring into the house as Mr. Loomis is getting better?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Characters are an integral and important part of almost all novels. Discuss the following:

1. Compare/contrast the characters of Ann and Loomis when they first meet. How are they similar? How are they different? Is there a flaw in each of their personalities? How do they compare as to the way they are raised before being chosen? Do you think they are both good people? Why or why not. Be specific and give examples.

2. Compare/contrast the characters of Ann from the beginning of the book to the end. How has she stayed the same? How has she changed? Have the changes been positive? What do you think Ann needs to change about herself to survive her journey?

3. Thoroughly analyze how three of the secondary characters in Z for Zacharia help drive the plot and what their contribution is to the storyline. Are any of the secondary characters unnecessary? Indispensable? Some secondary "characters" to consider are Faro, Radiation, The Valley, and The War.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Z for Zachariah belongs to the literary genre of apocalyptic fiction. Discuss the following:

1. Thoroughly define the term genre and offer examples of it from your own reading experience. Why do you think it is useful to categorize fiction into genres? What could be a disadvantage of doing so?

2. What do you think is the main motivation for a person to read an apocalyptic novel? Is entertainment a good enough reason? Are there any other reasons to read this genre? What? Explain fully.

3. In "academe," apocalyptic novels are often thought of as less literary than some other genres and for that reason are sometimes "snubbed" in the study of literature. Why do you think this is so? Do you agree with this "snobbery"?

(see the answer keys)

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