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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. Early in the novel, Tycho made a prediction, which he now learns has come true. What did he predict?

2. Roland seems to know that Angela is shocked by what he has told her. What does he say to try to make her feel better?

3. When Tycho wakes up the morning after the party, his family is not there. Why?

4. At the end of Chapter 9, Angela refuses to take a ride home with Tycho. He gives her $10 and leaves. Where does he go?

5. As Tycho hangs up the phone after the late night call while his family is at the party, what startles him?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe what happens when Angela first appears in Tycho's house at midnight.

2. After Angela has taken a shower and borrowed some of Tycho's clean clothes, she tells him where she has been since they parted at Roland's office. What does she say?

3. What does Angela say and do that illustrates that she has changed her mind about Tycho and wants to change the nature of their relationship?

4. Chapter 9 is a pivotal one, in that Angela finally has a chance to meet with Roland. Describe Roland's reaction to the meeting.

5. Angela and Tycho react in very different ways to the accident. How does each react?

6. During her confrontation with her father, Angela learns the extent to which Dido has fabricated the story of her birth and Roland's attitude. What does she learn?

7. After their night together, Tycho is a changed man. Describe how Angela responds to the apparent changes in him?

8. As Angela and Tycho walking toward her house, describe what occurs?

9. In Chapter 10, Mrs. Potter's character is seen in much more detail. Describe how she is portrayed.

10. Describe the difficulty Angela and Tycho are faced with in attempting to get to Angela's house.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In Chapter 2, Tycho's family is introduced. Describe the family dynamic of the Potters and the role each of the family members plays within this dynamic. How do you think having this particular family has influenced Tycho's personality and temperament?

Essay Topic 2

In Chapter 10, we get a much more complete picture of Mrs. Potter and of the relationship between her and Tycho. Describe your impressions of her as a mother. What do we learn about her attitude toward and feelings about Tycho? Be specific, using the text to illustrate your answer.

Essay Topic 3

Overall, Tycho is portrayed as very practical and rationale. However, we see a different side of him when he questions his mother about the origins of his name. What do his hopes about how he came to be called Tycho reveal about him?

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