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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. Why does Norman agree to gyppo instead of work for wages?

2. Jim's communications are filled with _________________.

3. To whom does Jim introduce Norman?

4. How does Jim abuse men?

5. In what subject does Norman learn lessons during his experience with Jim?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who does Norman meet one summer while logging in the woods?

2. What does Norman observe about Jim's behavior with the other men?

3. What happens when Jim invites Norman to his home for dinner?

4. How is Jim's behavior at dinner?

5. What does Jim do while the prostitutes are working?

6. What does Jim never eat at breakfast?

7. What is the content of Jim's final letter to Norman?

8. What does Norman agree to do by the end of the summer?

9. How does Norman perceive Jim's letters?

10. What does Norman fear about Jim?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain the symbolism of Jim's final letter to Norman describing Jim's conquest of a large woman. Why did Jim send such a letter? Does he think the large woman is some sort of trophy? What does he want Norman to know from this letter? Would Jim be surprised to learn that Norman thinks that Jim has finally met his match in the large woman?

Essay Topic 2

The Maclean family learns its lessons through times spent fly fishing. What is the significance of fly fishing and what does it symbolize in the story A River Runs Through It? Do you think Norman and Paul appreciate the metaphors provided by their father? Or do they tire of the examples and consider them to be too nostalgic to be appropriate to their current lives?

Essay Topic 3

Even though he loves his brother, Norman still feels pangs of jealousy when Paul receives positive attention. Cite examples of Norman's jealousy and his attempts to rise above any petty behavior. Does Norman let Paul bask in glory because he knows Paul is challenged in other ways? What does this say about Norman's character?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 668 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample