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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 does Ann feel about the man being there as she gets ready to sleep that night?

2. Where does Ann take the cows and young bull?

3. What does Loomis say about the night the bombs fall?

4. What does Ann think Faro will do?

5. Of what is the man afraid?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Ann become inspired to make a salad?

2. What does Ann hear Loomis saying in his dreams and what does Ann think about what she hears?

3. What happens that convinces Ann that the man knows nothing about farm life and what is her response?

4. What does Ann daydream about as she is picking salad greens?

5. How does Ann describe the newly-arrived stranger?

6. What does Loomis say he was developing before the war?

7. What does Loomis say about his activities the night the war breaks out?

8. What does the man say possibly happened to Ann's family?

9. Who is the stranger and what was his job before the war?

10. How does Ann get the tractor running and what planting decision does she make?

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 Z for Zachariah, 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

As the novel progresses, Ann feels that Loomis is more and more controlling of their lives. Discuss the following:

1. Discuss and analyze two scenes when you think Loomis is being controlling. Is Ann right to be defensive?

2. How much of Loomis' controlling is based upon the fact that he is considerably older than Ann? Do you think it is a legitimate thing that he, being much more knowledgeable about many things, should make more of the decisions?

3. How much of Loomis' controlling is based upon the fact that he is a male? Do you think Loomis would be as controlling of another man as he is of Ann?

4. Do you think Ann's assessment of Loomis' mental health is accurate? Why or why not? Discuss fully with examples.

Essay Topic 3

Characters are an integral and important part of almost all novels. Discuss the following:

1. Compare/contrast the characters of Ann and Loomis when they first meet. How are they similar? How are they different? Is there a flaw in each of their personalities? How do they compare as to the way they are raised before being chosen? Do you think they are both good people? Why or why not. Be specific and give examples.

2. Compare/contrast the characters of Ann from the beginning of the book to the end. How has she stayed the same? How has she changed? Have the changes been positive? What do you think Ann needs to change about herself to survive her journey?

3. Thoroughly analyze how three of the secondary characters in Z for Zacharia help drive the plot and what their contribution is to the storyline. Are any of the secondary characters unnecessary? Indispensable? Some secondary "characters" to consider are Faro, Radiation, The Valley, and The War.

(see the answer keys)

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