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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. How old was Colin when he started reading on his own?

2. What does Hassan do in order to go back to Hollis' house early?

3. In what State do Colin and Hassan stop for their first rest?

4. What does Colin decide to burn?

5. What are Hassan and Lindsey doing when Colin joins them?

Short Essay Questions

1. Whose grave is advertised when Colin and Hassan decide to exit off the interstate?

2. Who is waiting for Colin when he gets out of the shower and what do they tell Colin?

3. What was Colin's first date with Katherine IXI?

4. What does Starnes say when Colin, Hassan and Linsey interview him?

5. Why does Colin call his mother?

6. When did Colin meet Hassan and to what does Colin relate most of his thoughts?

7. What does Colin remember about himself when he was 25 months old?

8. Where does Lindsey go after interviewing Starnes?

9. What does Hassan propose to Colin's parents and what do they reply?

10. What happens when Colin talks to Katherine and what does he do as a result of the conversation?

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 "An Abundance of Katherines", 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 "An Abundance of Katherines". (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?

Essay Topic 2

Over the course of "An Abundance of Katherines", Colin grows as a person in both complexity and understanding. "An Abundance of Katherines" might be considered a slice of Colin's larger story of his "coming of age." It might be said that this story is a "bildungsroman" of Colin Singleton. Discuss the following:

1. Define Bildungsroman, or "Coming of Age," and give several examples from literature you have read.

2. Trace and analyze the character of Colin as he changes from having little knowledge of himself or the world to a wiser, young man. What are the significant events that change Colin?

3. After thoroughly analyzing Colin's growth throughout An Abundance of Katherines, do you think "An Abundance of Katherines" could be considered Colin's Coming of Age story? Why or why not?

4. Are there any other characters in "An Abundance of Katherines" who go through a Coming of Age experience? Who? Why do you think so?

Essay Topic 3

Sometimes a book has more of a character-driven plot rather than action driven, and sometimes it is the other way. Some books seem to balance the two. Discuss the following:

1. What do you think it means to say that a plot is character driven? Action driven?

2. How do you think a plot differs if it is character driven versus action driven?

3. Which type of plot do you find more interesting? Why?

4. Do you think it is possible to have a plot where action and character development share equal time? Why or why not.

5. What type of plot do you think "An Abundance of Katherines" is? Explain your response.

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