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. Why does David feel he should take off his shoes?

2. What does Maria give to David?

3. What does David realize about King's actions?

4. Who does David credit for his escape?

5. What does David say about the right of parents over children?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does David locate Edith, and what happens when he arrives?

2. Explain what Sophie means by "someone has broken his spirit".

3. Explain why David doesn't like dogs, and how his friendship with King develops.

4. Why does Giovanni's wife want David to leave?

5. Why does David hate being touched?

6. What does David realize about King's actions?

7. What is the significance of David touching Maria?

8. Why does David have such difficulty understanding the young boys he has come to live with?

9. Why is being able to use proper wording important to David?

10. Explain what happens to King.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In the novel, David comes to realize he can never be a normal boy. Analyze this statement in detail. What aspects of life cause David to state this? Is he correct? Why or why not? Do you think he can ever be a normal child? Why? What in his background could prevent him from achieving any sense of normalcy? Do you think finding his mother will help? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

There is heavy use of symbolism by Anne Holm within the novel. Discuss the use of and meaning of a king, "the man", and the compass in the novel.

Essay Topic 3

Throughout the novel, David makes the attempt to "win" over those around him, including the guards, and those who are cruel to him. Locate at least two of these circumstances. What is the situation? Why does David feel the need to "win" against these individuals? What does this say about David, as a person? Do you think David's actions make him petty, or righteous? Why?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,022 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample