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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 is the crew of the boat greeted?

2. How does Swenson help Marina let go of Marina's past?

3. What do Marina and Swenson discuss?

4. What is Nkomo studying?

5. Where does Easter take Marina?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the situation with Swenson's pregnancy?

2. What happens during the siesta that makes Swenson dump Marina on the deck?

3. Why does Marina perform surgery and how does it go?

4. What awakens Marina during the night and what does she do?

5. Who are on the boat going to the trading post?

6. What does Marina learn about the Martins and Rapps?

7. What does Marina observe when she accompanies Dr. Buni and Nancy to the fertility trees?

8. Who does Marina meet at the docks the next morning and where does he take her?

9. What does Easter do that upsets Marina and how does Swenson react?

10. What does Marina do in her spare time?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss one of the following:

1. Thoroughly analyze how the setting informs the plot in State of Wonder.

2. Trace and analyze one major theme of State of Wonder. How is the theme represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

3. Trace and analyze two secondary themes of State of Wonder. How are the themes represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

Essay Topic 2

Often, authors will write about "what they know," and sometimes knowing a little about the author makes the books more interesting. Discuss the following:

1. Research and give a brief biographical sketch of Ann Patchett.

2. What in Patchett's background may have helped him in writing State of Wonder? What may have influenced the way he depicts various characters and scenes?

3. Do you think there is always some of the author's own life in his/her novels? Why or why not? Give examples.

Essay Topic 3

Many novels, and perhaps a majority, of novels ends on a happy note. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think many (most?) people want what they perceive as a happy or good ending to a novel? Explain your opinion. Do you? Why or why not?

2. What are three reasons to read fiction? Discuss each one in light of State of Wonder and whether or not it fulfills all three, two or one of the reasons you mention. Give examples as to why State of Wonder is or is not successful in fulfilling the reasons you discuss.

3. Do you think reading solely for entertainment is as good a reason to read as any other? Why or why not? Can any work of fiction or non-fiction, no matter how poorly written, enlighten, teach, stimulate thought? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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