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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. A number of blocks into Håkan's walk into a town, the people begin to behave in what new way?

2. What type of weather does the narrator state happens sometimes and is "always a miracle" (105)?

3. What aspect of the dresser does Håkan consider breaking and taking with him on his journey?

4. How many men does Håkan see climb into the wagon where Helen and her brother are staying?

5. The men who gain access to the caravan under false pretenses use what types of disguises?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the way in which Håkan first meets Asa.

2. What does Hakan observe about Jarvis's reputation among the caravan's members?

3. For what reason does Håkan miss his first sign that he may be in danger when he reaches his first town since the killings?

4. What act does Håkan describe as the kindest service anyone has ever done for him?

5. Who is Jarvis?

6. How does the theme of grief enter the narrative when Håkan attempts to buy a certain item from members of the caravan?

7. What skills inherited from Lorimer does Håkan put to use at the scene of the wagon accident?

8. What item does Håkan attempt to procure from the people traveling in the caravan train and what is the outcome?

9. What experience does Håkan have for the first time in the company of Asa?

10. For what purpose does Diaz employ character foils within Håkan's period of captivity?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How is the topic of isolation treated within In the Distance and how does its treatment relate to the novel's depicted messages?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss Diaz’s messages about guilt and responsibility within the novel In the Distance. Focus especially on events such as Håkan’s change from thinking about Linus as his potential savior, to seeing himself as the one who needs to find Linus so that he can protect his older brother from the big bad world to which Håkan has been exposed.

Essay Topic 3

What is the function of Asa's character within the novel? Discuss the characterization methods used by Diaz in depicting Asa and include in your discussion the reasons that Diaz portrays Asa in these particular ways.

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