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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 what room are the characters sitting?

2. What possession of her grandfather's does Irma wish she had?

3. Who is Lute's boss?

4. What does Al observe about the driver in the car ahead of him?

5. What college had Julian wanted to attend?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who are the happiest people in this story?

2. How does Julian's cycle of alcohol abuse exhibit on this fateful night?

3. What was the fate of Julian's grandfather?

4. How does the author use Caroline as the typical example of a young woman and her options in the 1920s?

5. Describe Julian's father.

6. Describe Al Greco.

7. What is the main industry for the city of Gibbsville?

8. What does William English do for the first ten years after his father's death?

9. Describe Julian's behavior when he returns home from Harry's house.

10. How does alcohol become a status symbol during the 1920s and 1930s?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There are several events of foreshadowing in the novel. Define foreshadowing. Cite at least two situations in the story that serve as foreshadowing.

Essay Topic 2

What was the author's purpose for establishing the story at the Christmas holiday? Is there any significance to his choosing this holiday? What is particularly poignant or painful about this choice for his characters? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

Compare and contrast Lute and Irma Fliegler to Julian and Caroline English. What about their situations is similar? What differences are there? Explain.

(see the answer keys)

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