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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 high up is the tightrope walker described in the Prologue as he crossed the Twin Towers?

2. Where does Fernando live?

3. How old is Corrigan when he first goes out and gives a blanket to a homeless man in Book 1, Chapter 1: "All Respects to Heaven, I Like It Here"?

4. Where does Marcia live in Book 1, Chapter 2: "Miro, Miro on the Wall"?

5. Who describes the tightrope walker when she arrives at Claire's apartment in Book 1, Chapter 2: "Miro, Miro on the Wall"?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who are the four main characters that are introduced in Book 2, Chapter 6: “Etherwest”? How are they described?

2. How is the beginning of the walker’s historic stunt described Book 1, Chapter 4: “Let the Great World Spin Forever Down”?

3. What is revealed of the protagonist’s past in the beginning of Book 1, Chapter 3: “A Fear of Love”?

4. What are the two main settings of Book One, Chapter 1: “All Respects to Heaven, I Like It Here”? How are these settings compared?

5. How would you describe the narrative style of Book 1, Chapter 4: “Let the Great World Spin Forever Down”?

6. Who is the narrator of Book 1, Chapter 2: “Miro, Miro on the Wall”? Who is the protagonist in this chapter?

7. How would you describe the narrative style and focus of Book 2, Chapter 5: “Tag”?

8. What leads to the confrontation between Ciaran and Lara at the car in Book 1, Chapter 3: “A Fear of Love”?

9. How would you describe the protagonist and narrator of Book 1, Chapter 3: “A Fear of Love”?

10. What is the central conflict faced by the protagonist in Book 1, Chapter 2: “Miro, Miro on the Wall”?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Analyze and discuss the character of Fernando Yunque Marcano in Let the Great World Spin. Whom do you think this character is based upon? Why do you think the author chooses to relate Fernando’s story? How does Fernando’s story relate to the other characters in the novel?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the themes of interconnectedness and the persistence of life in Let the Great World Spin. How are these themes developed through character, setting, symbolism, and imagery? How does the author reflect these themes through other stylistic choices in the novel?

Essay Topic 3

Identify and discuss Lara’s actions, objectives, and obstacles in Book 1, Chapter 3: “A Fear of Love.” What drives Lara’s action of going to the funeral for Jazzlyn? What are the main obstacles that Lara must contend with in her story? How are these obstacles overcome?

(see the answer keys)

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