View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Richard tell Ginny before he leaves?

2. What does Mari tell Ginny?

3. Where does Mari Adams live?

4. What amazes Ginny about Peg?

5. What does Keith say he does not like?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Ginny and Keith get David in the car when he is drunk?

2. Who opens the door when Ginny goes to the address in London given in the letter?

3. How does Ginny decide to get the money to the artist?

4. What does Peg tell Ginny as far as traveling is concerned?

5. What does Richard say when asked what he sold the Queen?

6. Where does Ginny go at the Coliseum, what does she do and what does the letter she opens there say?

7. What does Ginny think of the streets in Rome and how does she find the metro station?

8. Describe the process Ginny goes through to purchase the tickets.

9. What does Ginny decide to do to get rid of the tickets she now holds and how many does she give away?

10. Where does Ginny go and what does she get there?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There are a number of interesting questions raised by "13 Little Blue Envelopes". Questions that Johnson most likely want readers to consider and think through carefully. Discuss the following:

1. What does the term "author agenda" mean?

2. Name one idea/concept you think may have been a part of the Johnson' agenda. Analyze that idea throughout the book and discuss Johnson' probable agenda concerning that idea.

2. Do you think writers who have an agenda for writing should point it out in a preface?

3. How often do you think fiction is written with a clear agenda in mind by the author?

4. Research the life of Johnson and see if/where his life may have influenced his writing.

Essay Topic 2

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

1. Compare/contrast the characters of Ginny and Peg. How are they similar? How are they different? Is there a flaw in each of their personalities? Be specific and give examples.

2. Compare/contrast the characters of Richard and Ginny. How do they seem different? Which do you like more? Why? Which one seems more of a well-rounded character?

3. Thoroughly analyze how three of the secondary characters in "13 Little Blue Envelopes" help drive the plot and what their contribution is to the storyline. Are any of the secondary characters unnecessary? Indispensable? Which of the secondary characters are likable? Which are either unlikable or even despicable? Be specific and give examples.

Essay Topic 3

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 "13 Little Blue Envelopes", 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 in "13 Little Blue Envelopes. (The subplots 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?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,280 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample