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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. When Patty enters her new home at the end of "Mistakes Were Made," she realizes what?

2. At what did Patty excel in her youth?

3. Initially, Patty has a special relationship with which character in "Good Neighbors"?

4. Patty begins to unravel emotionally after learning what?

5. What does Walter offer Richard for the summer in "Mistakes Were Made"?

Short Essay Questions

1. What business does Joey start? What is the outcome of this venture?

2. Who is Blake? What does he do that drives Patty mad?

3. What is Nameless Lake, and how does it get its name?

4. What decision does Joey make that infuriates the Berglunds?

5. What is Connie Monaghan's relationship to the Berglund family?

6. How does Patty respond to Joey's relationship with Connie?

7. Who is Ethan Post, and how does he affect Patty and her family?

8. What happens while Patty and Richard are at the lake house?

9. How does Patty's friendship with Eliza end?

10. What does Patty learn about Walter and his childhood?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the issue of parenthood in the novel. What makes a good parent? Are there any good parents in the novel? What, in your opinion, is Franzen trying to say about being a parent?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the marriage of Joey and Connie. Are they well matched? Will they repeat the mistakes of Walter and Patty, in your opinion? Base your response on their history, behaviors, and beliefs.

Essay Topic 3

Birds are central to the novel. Write an essay in which you analyze the impact of birds both on Walter's character and the novel as a whole.

(see the answer keys)

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