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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. Why is the basic panel layout normally strictly prescribed?

2. What can hold the whole together through changes of scenery?

3. In a story by Eisner how does he make the text express the sentiment of a scene?

4. What must be broken down into segments when using a full-page frame?

5. What type of art does "Comics as a Form of Reading" describe?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why must the sequential artist and the reader share life experiences for communication to occur?

2. Why are close-ups used when facial expressions are critical?

3. How do people normally measure distance?

4. Give a brief synopsis of Chapter 1: Comics as a Form of Reading.

5. Give examples of different lettering techniques or styles from Eisner's story Contract with God.

6. Where does the emotion or "intuitiveness" of a panel come from?

7. Give a brief summary of the historical evolution of comics according to Chapter 1.

8. Explain how composing a comic strip panel is like designing a mural, illustration, painting, or theatrical scene.

9. Besides the text in comics, what must the reader/viewer "read"?

10. What obstacle of the eye must the artist try to obliterate?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Chapter 3 analyzes the relationship between space, time, and visual perspective. Eisner explains that distance is often measured by sight and sound, but it is more difficult to assess time, because it is more illusory. Compile at least three examples provided by Eisner's work and examine the similarities and differences between how time, sight, and sound are measured and expressed in comics.

Essay Topic 2

In Chapter 1, Eisner expresses the opinion that lettering functions as an extension of imagery. As an example, he uses Contract with God to suggest that the lettering should remain consistent with the style and emotive qualities of the setting or scene. Explain why Eisner incorporates rain and blood in the lettering and typeface in Contract with God. Cite at least three reasons that support your argument.

Essay Topic 3

Eisner uses four drawings in Chapter 5 to demonstrate the power of facial expressions. Examine the following idea of the face as the "window to the mind" in relation to these four drawings. How can drawing faces in comics be revealing? What sort of things can be revealed by faces in comics?

(see the answer keys)

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