View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Finish the quote by E.O. Wilson: ". . . homosexuals may be the genetic carriers of mankind's ________ "

2. How does Paul discover that homosexuality exists beyond his own world?

3. Why is it surprising Bobby makes it to high school and college?

4. What does Raf mistake Paul for?

5. Why does Paul choose Elihu?

Short Essay Questions

1. Compare and contrast how Alex and Paul handle being gay in Andover. What consequences are there for each of them?

2. What three things are against Paul when he enters Philips Academy? How does it tag him as a "loser" from the beginning?

3. How does Paul relate to Jarrel's poem "The Woman at the Washington Zoo?"

4. Describe Paul's social life in 7th grade. What does he do to make and keep friends?

5. Describe in detail what Paul sees as he gets his lunch by the sixth grade lockers. What is his reaction?

6. Describe Bobby's character and how he manages his medical condition. How does Paul feel about Bobby and his capabilities?

7. Compare and contrast Paul and Kite's relationship to Paul and Richie's relationship.

8. Find three words to describe Paul's high school years. Refer to examples.

9. Describe Andover, MA as Monette grows up. How does Paul's childhood neighborhood affect his decision to not come out with his sexual orientation?

10. Even after befriending gays in the theatre troupe why does Paul feel the need to continue to stay in the closet?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Paul has a passionate need to belong no matter with whom or where he is. Find at least three specific examples of Paul attempting to belong. With each example, explain his motivation and need.

Essay Topic 2

Paul meets many people in his life as he searches his way out of the closet. Even before Roger, there are glimpses of hope and encouragement from his friends and people in his lives. Write about the people in Paul's life that inspire him to come out of the closet. How do they encourage him to be true to himself? Even if they are not the ones to ultimately get him out of the closet, how do they bring him closer to coming out safely?

Essay Topic 3

Paul grows up in a middle class family but earns privileges with scholarships to Philips Academy and Yale. Explain how Paul's taste for life changes from his middle class Andover background.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,225 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample