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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 do girls find Isobel's brother?

2. What does Isobel see outside the window while washing dishes?

3. What does Charles lament?

4. What does Isobel see when she experiences a time warp in this section?

5. How is the play Isobel attends?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who is Francis Fairfax, and what does the narrator write about him?

2. How does Vinny treat the children?

3. Describe how Charles and Isobel are born.

4. What does Isobel think she sees Mr. Rice doing and what is the outcome?

5. What do the neighbors think of the new baby in the Fairfax household?

6. Give a very brief synopsis of the Fairfax family's status over time.

7. How do Isobel and Charles find their mother and what do they do?

8. How does Isobel come to find a single, unusual shoe in Vinny's closet and what is Vinny's reaction?

9. What does Isobel write about both her and her brother's physical looks?

10. Where does Malcolm take Isobel, and what happens there?

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 "Human Croquet", 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 (They 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

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 "Human Croquet" help a reader to know him/herself? Do you find yourself reflecting on your own character and abilities when reading "Human Croquet"? Why or why not.

3. Choose one specific incident in the book to discuss and compare Isobel's response to that of two other characters, and to how you think you would respond.

Essay Topic 3

Atkinson chooses to write the novel in different points of views. Discuss the following:

1. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this novel being written in several points of views?

2. Do you think the novel would be more effective in a different point of view? Which one if so?

3. When do you think an author is most likely to use the first person point of view? Second person? Third person omniscient? Third person limited?

4. Do you think the narrators in "Human Croquet" are reliable, i.e., do you believe the narrator is completely unbiased? Explain your response.

5. What is your favorite point of view to read? Or do you have a favorite.

(see the answer keys)

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