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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 did Vulcevic and his family come to Mary's Rest?

2. Whom does Sister demand to see in Mary's Rest?

3. What grisly trophy, crafted from Franklin Hayes' body, does Alvin give to Macklin?

4. Whom does the evil man attempt to attack?

5. When Macklin's mask comes off, his appearance has been altered in what way?

Short Essay Questions

1. How do Sister and Swan recover the glass ring?

2. What unusual promise does the evil man make after his struggle with Josh?

3. Explain the interaction Swan has with the Moodys' apple tree.

4. Why does Robin want to see Swan?

5. Why does the former President want to activate the doomsday device?

6. What thoughts haunt Roland?

7. How is Swan trapped and then freed?

8. What happens between Swan and the evil man at the apple truck?

9. What does Hugh say about the state of the western part of the United States ?

10. What does Macklin think of what his Job's Mask has done to his face?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The glass ring is a potent artifact that exhibits a wide range of magical powers. It drives the story forward at many points, and guides Sister through most of her quest. When Swan receives the ring, it exhibits a new range of powers, and it is clearly intended for her use. Sister describes it as her "crown."

1) Explain the glass ring's origin and its known powers. What does it provide to anyone who uses it? Are its powers limitless or finite?

2) Discuss the affects of the dream walking that the ring causes. Does there appear to be intelligence and intent behind the visions that dream walkers experience?

3) Discuss the importance of the ring to Swan. What powers does it give to her, and how does it react to her presence?

Essay Topic 2

Family is extremely important to some characters in the novel. Swan, Josh, Roland, and others come from backgrounds of broken families. They struggle to deal with their needs for companionship and company.

1) Identify the characters that struggle with family identity. Explain what problems are caused for them by this struggle.

2) Discuss some of the improvised families that form over the course of the novel. How do these social groups support their members and improve their lives?

3) Explain the importance of the theme of family to the overall message of the novel.

Essay Topic 3

At the beginning of the novel, the threat of nuclear war looms over the characters. The tensions between the United States and Russia are at an all-time high, and nuclear attacks could start at any minute. The characters live in fear and don't know how to deal with the enormity of the threat.

1) Explain the diplomatic situation at the beginning of the novel that puts the United States and Russia at the brink of nuclear war.

2) Discuss some of the reactions various people have to this threat. Explain the range of reactions, and discuss how rational or reactionary these behaviors are.

3) Discuss how reasonable and believable these reactions are, and speculate as to what some other reactions might be.

(see the answer keys)

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