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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. In the story "Willi," where does Willi live?

2. What country was Willi Varig fighting for in WWII?

3. What is George's wife's name?

4. Which of the following was NOT a way Louise's roommate uses to support Louise in her weight loss goals?

5. How are Sonny and the narrator related in "Sonny's Blues"?

Short Essay Questions

1. What type of relationship does George have with his ex-students?

2. What happens when Sean is trapped in an elevator in the story "Midair"?

3. What types of authors did Jenks and Carver seek to publish in this short story collection?

4. What memory does Sean have of his father from when he was a 6 year old boy in the story "Midair"?

5. What pleasant memory does the young girl from the story "Verona" have about her father from her childhood?

6. What type of relationship does Carlyle form with Mrs. Webster in the story "Fever"?

7. Why does Vance tell the story of "The Amish Farmer" to his high school English class?

8. How does Louise's husband react when Louise gains weight during her pregnancy?

9. Who is Push in the story "A Poetic for Bullies," and who is his sidekick?

10. Why does Daniel aggressively attack Noel in the story "The Amish Farmer"?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The story "Bystander" is a reflection of fatherhood as seen through the eyes of Arty and his relationship with his father, Lewis. First, describe the relationship Arty had with his father in his childhood. Then, compare that to the relationship he has with his father in adulthood. Explain why Arty feels like a "Bystander" in his relationship with his father and why, even though he feels inactive. Be sure to include examples from the text that you believe strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 2

The story "The Wedding" is all about loneliness. First, describe the loneliness of Sam, Elizabeth, and the child. What is the same about their loneliness? What is different? Describe the relationship between Elizabeth's loneliness and her passion for reading. How do these two seemingly unrelated things affect each other? Finally, describe how loneliness brought Sam and Elizabeth together in marriage. In the end, do you think the couple was settling, or were they truly in love? How can you tell? Be sure to include examples from the text to strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 3

In the story "Fever," Carlyle has three main women in his life who play a part in helping him heal from his "sickness." Describe the sickness that Carlyle suffers from in his story. Choose two of the important women in his life and describe their role in helping him heal. What is the same about their methods of care? What is different? Describe how Carlyle emerged from his sickness, and what he learned about his life and relationships while he was ill. Be sure to include examples from the text that you believe strengthen your arguments.

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