A) Obviously, a lot happens to and around Vahan in the course of the book. You are to write an essay in which you describe how Vahan is changed by the experiences he goes through. You will want to consider his father�s quote: �Steel is made strong by fire.� You will also want to consider the first few pages of the book as well as the last few pages carefully. There are also other key passages which you will want to consider (p.125, p.130, et.al.). Your essay should focus specifically on how Vahan changes as a person, and you should back up everything you say with support from the book. (3.5 pages minimum)
OR
B) The book opens with a frightening quote by Adolf Hitler. In an essay, first explain the significance of this quote (why it is included at the beginning of the book), and then explain why this book is valuable considering the implications of this quote. Why is it important, particularly for young adults to read it? (3.5 pages minimum)
OR
C) Address the same issue as B, but in the form of a letter to the author. Be sure to explain clearly your thoughts about the value of the book. (4 pages minimum)
Choose 1:
A) Think carefully about the themes of conformity and individuality in Song of the Magdalene, and how they relate to the transformation which takes place in Miriam�s life (obviously, you must first give some thought to this transformation). Then, write an essay examining this relationship in which you make sure to refer to relevant events in the story. (4 pages minimum)
B) Although the book is a work of fiction, there are some realistic/non-fictional elements in it. You are to do some research to discover which elements of the book are �true�, and then write a short paper which describes the non-fictional elements in the book. Two topic headings which you will want to use to help you begin your search are �Mary Magdalene� and �Ancient Judea�. Make sure your research focuses on the time period in which the story takes place. (4 pages minimum)
Miriam says at the end of the book that she finally recognized the truth in the lesson which Abraham taught her long ago. What was that lesson and how did Miriam learn it? You are to imagine that you are Miriam, writing a letter to the deceased Abraham in which you answer these questions. Be sure to refer to incidents of the book. (5 pages minimum)