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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 Muriel call Macon after he's picked up Edward from Meow-Bow?

2. Why are Macon's siblings leery about Edward?

3. What is Rose giving Julian for Christmas?

4. What does Julian realize about Macon when he sees him at his childhood home?

5. What does Sarah wonder about the man who shot their son?

Short Essay Questions

1. According to Macon, what was his mother like while he was growing up and how did she approach parenting?

2. What does Julian offer to Macon when he comes over in Chapter 6?

3. At the Old Bay restaurant, what does Sarah tell Macon she wants and what does she think of him?

4. When Macon's neighbor, Garner Bolt, visits him, what does he reveal people's perception of Macon?

5. Why does Muriel give Macon a calendar?

6. When Julian, Rose, Charles, and Macon are making small-talk, why does Sarah call Macon?

7. What does Julian invite Macon and Muriel to and why is it significant?

8. In Chapter 12, Macon begins to spend a lot of time with Muriel. What is Rose's response to his absence from home and why is it significant?

9. In Chapter 17, why is the story Muriel tells Macon about a man she "cured" who left her?

10. Recount Macon's trip to England, paying close attention to his specific habits and goals.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Loss is a major theme in "The Accidental Tourist." The loss and suffering of children are the impetus for other losses, namely marriage.

1. Discuss the possible reasons why Macon and Sarah and Muriel and Norman are unable to take solace in their suffering over their children.

2. Why do you think Tyler utilizes children as the starting point to explore the consequences of grief?

Essay Topic 2

Holidays function as significant events for Macon and his family. Discuss the family dynamics at Thanksgiving and Christmas, and what they reveal about the characters' relationships with one another.

Essay Topic 3

Throughout the novel, Muriel and Julian try to become members of the Leary family, and are thwarted by Rose and Macon in various ways. Ultimately, they are successful in winning over their partners. Discuss the similarities between these two characters, and their possible motives for wanting to be a part of the Leary family.

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