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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 Loomis get supplies while Ann is hiding out before he shot her?

2. How does Ann know Mr. Loomis is doing better at the opening of Chapter 13?

3. What does Ann make that turns out perfect?

4. What does Loomis say about the fertilizer?

5. What does Ann do with Loomis' gun?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Ann bring into the house as Mr. Loomis is getting better?

2. Why does Mr. Loomis use the tractor to go to the store?

3. What does Ann observe the next day as she is watching the house and what does she think about?

4. What do Ann and Mr. Loomis argue about concerning the crops?

5. Why does Mr. Loomis frighten Ann as she is playing the piano?

6. What does Ann ask Mr. Loomis to use and what is his response?

7. Why does Mr. Loomis become angry and what does Ann decide to do?

8. What does Mr. Loomis say he remembers while delirious?

9. Where does Ann go in Chapter 12 and what does she find and do?

10. What happens to Mr. Loomis at the opening to Chapter 10?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Z for Zachariah could be said to be a "bildungsroman" of Ann, the main character. Discuss the following:

1. Define the concepts "bildungsroman" and "coming of age."

2. Thoroughly trace and analyze Z for Zachariah as a bildungsroman of Ann. Give specific examples. What does Ann learn? How has she changed? Is the change for the better?

3. Do you think young people in our modern culture go through a coming of age period? Do you think the concept of "coming of age" is inherent in the human experience? Why or why not?

4. Do you think you have lived through a "coming of age" period in your own life? Discuss as thoroughly as you willing to share.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss one of the following:

1. Define irony in literary terms. What do you think is the purpose of irony? Discuss the irony of the situation that it appears the man could die from his radiation poisoning in a "safe" valley when he has avoided the same thing while walking through hundreds of miles of dangerous country. What other irony occurs in Z for Zachariah? Discuss two or three incidences of irony and whether they enhance your reading experience.

2. Define symbolism in literary terms. Discuss the use and meaning of five symbols you choose to analyze from Z for Zachariah. What do they symbolize? Is the symbolism obvious? Effective? Does the symbolism contribute to the enjoyment of reading?

3. Trace and analyze the use of foreshadowing throughout Z for Zachariah. List at least five things that occur later in the novel that are foreshadowed earlier in the novel. Does foreshadowing increase your motivation to complete a book? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Many novels, and perhaps a majority, of novels end 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? Do you think Z for Zachariah ends on a happy note? Why or why not?

2. What are three reasons to read fiction? Discuss each one in light of Z for Zachariah and whether or not it fulfills all three, two or one of the reasons you mention. Give examples as to why Z for Zachariah 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?

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