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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 does Linh talk Helen into doing?

2. Why does Linh berate Helen?

3. What gesture does Helen make as they are confronted?

4. What do Darrow and Tanner decide?

5. What does Helen ask Robert?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Darrow tell Helen he has in Saigon and what does he say about his life?

2. What do Helen and Darrow discuss concerning Linh and his helping Helen?

3. What happens to Helen that has Darrow telling her she is better off without belief?

4. Where do Linh and Helen go and what is happening with Darrow?

5. What does Robert ask Helen and what is her response?

6. Describe Helen and Darrow's visit to a Red Cross camp.

7. Why do Tanner and Darrow get into a fight?

8. What happens when Helen calls Tom?

9. What do Helen and Robert discuss concerning Vietnam?

10. What happens when Helen goes out on assignment with Captain Olsen?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Choose one of the following to discuss:

1. Choose two significant symbols and trace and analyze their appearance in The Lotus Eaters. Are these universal symbols? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other symbols that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think Soli chooses the symbols he does?

2. Choose two important metaphors and trace and analyze their appearance in the novel. Are these universal metaphors? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other metaphors that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think Soli chooses the metaphors she does?

3. Discuss Soli's use (or lack ) of literary device (such as foreshadowing, clifthangers, deux ex machina, etc...), and how they add or detract from the story. Does Soli use too many or too little literary techniques? State which of the five major elements of fiction the literary device is related to (style, character, plot, setting, theme).

Essay Topic 2

The Lotus Eaters belongs to the historical fiction genre. Discuss the following:

1. Define the literary term "genre" and give several examples of three other genres in addition to the historical fiction genre.

2. Discuss two reasons why it might be useful to label a text by genre and two reasons it might be disadvantageous to label a text by genre.

3. What do you think is the difference between a historical fiction and a mystery?

Essay Topic 3

Oftentimes, a book has more of a character-driven plot rather than action driven, and oftentimes the other way. Some books seem to balance the two. Discuss the following:

1. What do you think it means to say that a plot is character driven? Action driven?

2. How do you think a plot differs if it is character driven versus action driven?

3. Which type of plot do you find more interesting? Why?

4. Do you think it is possible to have a plot where action and character development share equal time? Why or why not.

5. What type of plot do you think The Lotus Eaters is? Explain your response.

(see the answer keys)

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