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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. Why isn't Beth able to interview Donna Alba?

2. Where does John drive to first, in Chapter 19?

3. How long does John estimate it takes Emma to get dressed in Chapter 19?

4. What does Beth plan to say to Tobin when she calls him in Chapter 30?

5. What do Beth and John discover in Tobin's cellar?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does John trick Stevens into coming back to his house in Connecticut?

2. While he is out to dinner with Emma, what does John spend the evening contemplating?

3. What unique item does John find at Tobin's apartment that leads him to believe Tobin planned to bury the treasure on his land all along?

4. After the Gordons' bodies were examined, what were some clues that they were doing something manual before their deaths?

5. What does Beth discuss with Dom in Chapter 30?

6. Describe the appearance of Emma Whitestone.

7. Describe the appearance of Edgar Murphy.

8. Why didn't Margaret Wiley initially want to sell the land to the Gordons?

9. When Beth and John do a quick inventory of wounds in Chapter 35, what wounds have they both sustained?

10. When John sees Beth again in Chapter 38, how does he feel about her?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The theme of the pursuit of power is central to the novel, Plum Island. Many important characters are pursuing power through wealth, position, and through knowledge. Discuss how DeMille's view on the pursuit of power is relevant to human nature and seen in society today.

Essay Topic 2

What is DeMille's writing style? Discuss both the mechanical aspect of his writing and his "voice" throughout the novel. Make sure and discuss what literary tools and devices he relies on most and what specific parts of the text reflect his voice.

Essay Topic 3

How is the theme of lust displayed in Plum Island? Use at least three textual examples to show what commentary DeMille is making about this theme.

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This section contains 743 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample