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This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.
Short Answer Questions
1. What does Vicki ask Basil to do?
2. What does Zachary tell Vicky about when he calls on Tuesday?
3. What does Vicky ask Basil about concerning her grandfather?
4. What does Vicky tell Leon on the way back to the island?
5. Why is Vicky angry with Zachary on the way to the airport?
Essay Topics
Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:
Essay Topic 1
Many novels, and perhaps a majority, of novels ends on a happy note. Discuss the following:
1. Why do you think many (most?) people want what they perceive as a happy or good ending to a novel? Explain your opinion. Do you? Why or why not?
2. What are three reasons to read fiction? Discuss each one in light of "A Ring of Endless Light" and whether or not it fulfills all three, two or one of the reasons you mention. Give examples as to why this story is or is not successful in fulfilling the reasons you discuss.
3. Do you think reading solely for entertainment is as good a reason to read as any other? Why or why not? Can any work of fiction or non-fiction, no matter how poorly written, enlighten, teach, stimulate thought? Why or why not?
Essay Topic 2
Discuss one of the following:
1. Trace and analyze the theme of growth in this book. Consider the following questions as you write: What characters are most concerned with growth? Why? What are some symbols of growth? Symbols of rigidity? What characters seem rigid?
2. Trace and analyze the theme of death in "A Ring of Endless Light". Which characters struggle with this issue? Why? Which characters seem to handle the idea of death well? Why? Which ones struggle against death? Why? (Remember to consider non-human characters)
3. Trace and analyze the theme of family in the novel. Is Vicky's family a typical family? Are they idealized? Why or why not?
Essay Topic 3
Many readers of fiction place themselves in the position of one character, wondering if they would do the same thing as that character. Discuss the following:
1. Do you think one of the values of literature is to serve as a reflection of oneself? Why or why not?
2. Socrates said "Know thyself." How can reading a book such as "A Ring of Endless Light" help a reader to know him/herself? Do you find yourself reflecting on your own character and abilities when reading "A Ring of Endless Light"? Why or why not.
3. Choose one specific incident in "A Ring of Endless Light" to discuss and compare one of the characters' response to how you think you would respond.
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This section contains 540 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) |
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