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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 Colin do for an hour in the car at their next interview site?

2. What do Colin and Lindsey do before driving back to Lindsey's house?

3. According to Colin, whose name is anagrammed?

4. What is Hassa reviewing the next morning when Colin comes downstairs?

5. How many days have Colin and Hassan been in Gutshot when they wake in Chapter 17?

Short Essay Questions

1. What will happen between Colin and Lindsey according to Colin's theorem?

2. How does Hollis explain Roy's actions with the bulldozer?

3. Why do the three teens go to Memphis and what do they observe?

4. What does Hassan tell Colin he shared with Lindsey?

5. Why does Hassan say he is not going to work that Thursday?

6. Who is Katrina with in the cemetery and what does he do when Hassan and Colin make their presence known?

7. What does Hollis tell Colin and Hassan about Lindsey when they get home from Memphis?

8. What has Colin figured out about the supposed Archduke's grave and what is Lindsey's response?

9. What does Colin continue to work on and how is it going?

10. What do Lindsey and Colin drink in the cave?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Titles often play a vital role in making a person decide to read a particular book. Discuss the following:

1. Fully explain why you think "An Abundance of Katherines" is titled as such. Do you think it is the best title for the book? Why or why not? Can you think of a better title? Why would you choose it?

2. How important is a title in influencing you to consider reading a book? Explain your answer.

3. Do you think a title needs to have direct relevance to a book's content? Explain your answer.

4. Have you ever read a book that when you finished, you do not understand the relevance of the title? Does it discourage you from "trusting" that particular author again?

Essay Topic 3

Characters are an important part of what makes "An Abundance of Katherines" interesting. Discuss the following:

1. Thoroughly discuss and analyze Colin. What are his strengths? His weaknesses? How does he contribute to the plot? Is he a sympathetic character? Is he always likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

2. Thoroughly discuss and analyze the character of Lindsey. What are her strengths? Her weaknesses? How does she contribute to the plot? Is she a sympathetic character? Is she ever likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

3. Thoroughly discuss and analyze the character of Hassan. What are his strengths? His weaknesses? How does he contribute to the plot? Is he a sympathetic character? Is he ever likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

4. Thoroughly discuss and analyze the character of Hollis. What are her strengths? Her weaknesses? How does she contribute to the plot? Is she a sympathetic character? Is she ever likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

(see the answer keys)

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