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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 kind of outfits does Alexandra say women wear while riding?

2. Why does he think the way he does about having sex with Alexandra?

3. Who is Elizabeth Grangerfield?

4. What does Jordan intend to do about Alexandra?

5. Who is the Dowager Duchess of Hawthorne?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the history between Elizabeth Grangerfield and Jordan Hawthorne?

2. How does Jordan respond after the bandits are no longer a threat?

3. What does Jordan say about women when he hears Lady's Catherine's indifference?

4. What happens nine years later that makes Jordan decide to stop having sexual relations with married women?

5. What happens to Jordan when he leaves the Fair Winds to buy cigars and what does Alexandra do??

6. What does Alexandra get on the way to Hawthorne?

7. Why does Leticia Bildrup think Elizabeth Grangerfield is acting disgracefully?

8. What conversation do Mrs. Lawrence and her daughter have about Will Helmsley?

9. What does Jordan say to Lady Catherine about what he just saw and what is her reply?

10. Where does Alexandra go right after the conversation with her mother about Will Helmsley?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the following:

1. What is a plot? What are the most important elements of a plot and their definition? Do all novels have a plot? Why or why not?

2. Write a brief synopsis of the plot of Something Wonderful, identifying where the various elements of the plot occur (Exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution or denouement). Do you find it difficult to identify the plot? Why or why not? What about the various elements of the plot?

3. Identify the major sub-plots and their elements (They may not contain every element of a major plot). Do the sub-plots add to the main plot? Why or why not. Are the sub-plots interesting in and of themselves? Why or why not.

Essay Topic 2

Gossip and rumors are found throughout Something Wonderful. Discuss the following:

1. What is one piece of gossip that you think is started maliciously? Who starts it? Why? Does it end up harming the person it is intended to harm? Why or why not? What effect does the gossip have on the person the gossip is about? What effect does the gossip have on one other character?

2. What is one piece of gossip that you think is started intentionally to help someone? Who starts it? Why? Does it end up helping or harming the person it is intended to help? Explain. What effect does the gossip have on the person the gossip is about? What effect does the gossip have on one other character?

3. Trace and analyze the theme of gossip as it is woven throughout Something Wonderful. Is the gossip always harmful? What are the motivations of those who start and perpetuate the gossip? What are the effects of the gossip?

4. Why do you think people gossip?

Essay Topic 3

Many readers of fiction place themselves in the position of one character, wondering if they would do the same thing as that character. Discuss the following:

1. Do you think one of the values of literature is to serve as a reflection of oneself? Why or why not?

2. Socrates said "Know thyself." How can reading a book such as Something Wonderful help a reader to know him/herself? Do you find yourself reflecting on your own character and abilities when reading Something Wonderful? Why or why not.

3. Choose one specific incident in Something Wonderful to discuss and compare Jordan's or Alexandra's response to how you think you would respond.

(see the answer keys)

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