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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 book was Zach reading when Poppy first met him?

2. How does Zach feel about the impending conversation with Alice and Poppy at the end of Chapter 3?

3. Who claims to have intentionally stepped on cracks in order to break her mother's back in Chapter 3?

4. What does Poppy's mother dream of doing with the Queen one day?

5. What does Poppy claim one should do when passing a cemetery in Chapter 3?

Short Essay Questions

1. What supplies does Zach gather to take on his journey in Chapter 5?

2. What is Zach’s greatest conflict as he walks home from school in Chapter 3?

3. How does Zach respond when Alice suggests they play the game in Chapter 4?

4. How is Zach’s father’s history in the family described in Chapter 2? When did Zach’s father leave?

5. What does Zach dream about in Chapter 8?

6. How would you describe Zach’s mindset as he walks to school in Chapter 3?

7. Why is the emergence of William the Blade significant in Chapter 7?

8. How do Zach, Alice, and Poppy set up camp in Chapter 8? What is used for protection against the elements?

9. What proof does Poppy offer of her story in Chapter 5?

10. How does Zach justify going on the quest with Alice and Poppy in Chapter 6?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the theme of secrets in the novel. Who has secrets and what leads to the revelations of these secrets? What role do secrets play in driving the plot of the story forward? What symbolism supports this theme?

Essay Topic 2

Describe and analyze Zach's actions, objectives, and obstacles when he tells Alice and Poppy he no longer wants to play the game. What does Zach hope to achieve by telling the girls this? Is he successful? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Heroism and adventure are central themes in Doll Bones. How would you describe the “tragic flaw” of each of the main characters: Zach, Alice, and Poppy? How would you compare the flaws of these characters to those of mythological heroes alluded to in the narrative?

(see the answer keys)

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