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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. In the conclusion of the narrative, when does the author say the work was completed?

2. What is the name of the little Russian girl that appears at Lou and his girlfriend smash the ornaments in “Come All Ye Faithful, October”?

3. Who does Charlie Manx say is “the finest shirtmaker in the West for a hundred years” in "Search Engine, July 6-7"?

4. What word does the ratty girl covered in blood say as Lou and Wayne smash the ornaments in “Come All Ye Faithful, October”?

5. What is printed on the baseball cap that Bing wears when he exits his house to leave for Christmasland in "Search Engine, July 6-7"?

Short Essay Questions

1. How are Vic’s circumstances described in the beginning of "Bad Mother, December 16, 2011-July 6, 2012"? Where is she living?

2. How is Wayne’s demeanor described in the beginning of "Come All Ye Faithful, October"? What does Lou do for his son?

3. What is the setting of "Come All Ye Faithful, October"? What information is revealed to the reader in the opening of this chapter?

4. What is Vic doing when the narrative first turns to her character at the Lake House in "Search Engine, July 6-7"?

5. What does Bing do at the church by his house in "Interlude: The Spirit of Ecstasy, 2000-2012"?

6. How has Bing’s character changed when he is reintroduced in "Interlude: The Spirit of Ecstasy, 2000-2012"?

7. What occurs simultaneously with the destruction of the Christmas ornaments in "Come All Ye Faithful, October"?

8. How is Charles Talent Manx’s medical condition described in "Interlude: The Spirit of Ecstasy, 2000-2012"?

9. Whom does Vic speak with on the telephone while she’s in Bing’s basement in "Christmasland, July 7-9"?

10. Where does Vic travel to across the Shorter Way Bridge on the Triumph in "Search Engine, July 6-7"? What takes place at this location?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Plot Structure

a. Discuss the plot structure of NOS4A2. In what ways is the narrative related and what effect does this have on the reader?

b. How does NOS4A2 compare with other novels written during this time period? Are there specific stylistic elements that can be seen in Joe Hill’s writing?

Essay Topic 2

Analyze and discuss the character of Maggie Leigh in the novel. How old is Maggie when Vic first meets her? How is Maggie’s appearance described? What type of apparel does Maggie wear? What are Vic’s impressions of Maggie?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the divorce of Christopher and Linda McQueen and its impact on Vic. What foreshadowing has the author employed to indicate the impending separation of Chris and Linda? How does Vic react when she learns that her father is gone?

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