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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 new item does Shannon notice on the family's dinner table?

2. What does Evie suggest to Shannon as a career move?

3. What is the one thing about Brandy Alexander that surgeons cannot change?

4. Where does Evie's family get their money?

5. Why is Seth so fixated on television?

Short Essay Questions

1. What has Shannon told her parents, instead of telling them about the accident?

2. What secret does Shannon write on her postcard at the Space Needle?

3. What happens on the day that Shannon's bandages are removed when she visits the grocery store?

4. Why does Manus have pornography magazines around his apartment?

5. What is Seth's theory about television?

6. Describe briefly the opening scene of the novel.

7. What philosophy does Brandy Alexander have that Shannon finds attractive?

8. What is the one thing Shannon has wanted to be asked?

9. Why does Evie live in a mansion in the suburbs?

10. Why does Brandy make Rona Barrett her new Supreme Being?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The idea of an invisible monster is present throughout the novel. How does this idea apply to each of the main characters? What kind of invisible monsters are affecting their lives? In Shannon's case, how does feeling like an invisible monster hinder her? Does it help her? Why or why not? Be sure to use citations from the text to strengthen your argument.

Essay Topic 2

Do a character study of Evie Cottrell. What role does she play in the novel? How does her relationships with the other characters further the plot? How does her character contribute to the central themes of the novel? Is she a static character or does she undergo changes throughout the text? Explore Evie's idea of beautiful people together being less than the sum of their parts. How does this idea contribute to the novel? Is Shannon changed by this theory? Be sure to use examples from the text in your arguments.

Essay Topic 3

A central image of Shannon's childhood is her clothes burning on the clothesline. How does this event change Shannon? How does Shannon react? How does her reaction give insight to her character at fifteen? Is this the start of her obsession with fire? Why or why not? Be sure to examine the account in the novel and cite any quotations.

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