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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 Aimée ask a columnist?

2. Of what is Mr. Slump tired?

3. Where does Mr. Joyboy arrange for Sambo's disposal?

4. What does Dennis ask concerning Non-sectarian ministers and embalmers?

5. What does Dennis tell Mr. Schultz Dennis needs?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens when Aimée calls Mr. Slump at a pub, and what does she do as a result of the conversation?

2. How do Dennis' poems help Aimée feel better and what does she do with one of them?

3. What does Mr. Joyboy say about his mother when Aimée asks about her and how does this conversation lead to another discovery about Dennis?

4. Describe the conversation between Mr. Joyboy and Aimée concerning Dennis' poems.

5. Who arrives when Dennis is training his replacement at Happier Hunting Grounds, and what does Dennis do with his trainee?

6. What does Mr. Slump say about women regarding men?

7. What do Dennis and Aimée do at Lovers' Nook?

8. What does Mr. Slump not know at the moment and how does he react to another letter from Aimée?

9. Why is Mr. Joyboy fearful and what does Dennis realize Mr. Joyboy wants?

10. Describe Dennis' conversation with Aimée when he follows her to Nutburger Café.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 Loved One is? Explain your response.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss one of the following:

1. Thoroughly analyze how the setting informs the plot in The Loved One.

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

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

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 The Loved One help a reader to know him/herself? Do you find yourself reflecting on your own character and abilities when reading The Loved One? Why or why not.

3. Choose one specific incident in The Loved One to discuss and compare one of the characters' response to how you think you would respond.

(see the answer keys)

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