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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. The next morning Paul arrives at Norman's house to _________________________________________.

2. Other than fish, what else did the brothers do?

3. What is notable about Old Rawhide's derriere?

4. Who speaks often of the tragedy?

5. What does Jessie encourage Norman to do with the answer to #22?

Short Essay Questions

1. Neal declares that he wants to fish but what does he do instead?

2. Why does Paul try to avoid Norman?

3. What is Reverend Maclean's second passion after religion?

4. Who are the two brothers in the story?

5. What do Norman and Paul find when they return to the spot where they left the car?

6. What happens one night after Norman and Paul spend the day fishing?

7. Where do Norman and Paul escape from Norman's family problems a few days later?

8. Why does Norman not remain to fish with Neal?

9. What favor does Norman ask of his brother, Paul?

10. What is the occupation of Norman and Paul's father?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain the concept of irony as it relates to Jim's not eating any pie even after he has complained relentlessly that the cooks do not serve any pie for breakfast. Why would Maclean choose to include this example of Jim's behavior? Not having pie for breakfast does not seem like a big infraction, so why does Jim not let it go? Then, after he has accomplished his goal of getting pie served in the mornings, why does he not eat it?

Essay Topic 2

Even though Norman and Jim do not get along, Jim writes letters to Norman after Norman returns to college. Why do you think Jim wants to maintain contact with Norman? Has Norman inadvertently done anything to lead Jim into believing that this is something that Norman wants also? Or does Jim just need to continue his braggart behavior and finds that doing it via letters is better than not doing it at all? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

Do you feel that Norman is drawn to Bill Bell because Bill is a father symbol to Norman? Norman is seventeen years old and has his own father with whom he has a good relationship so why is Bill's opinion of him so important to Norman? Is Norman's age and inexperience a factor in Norman's feelings? Does he still need the approval of an older male figure, regardless of the circumstances? Explain your opinions.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 706 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample