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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. Who do the famous five notice getting off the train?

2. Who is sometimes used as a performer on the island in "The Wrestling Dog"?

3. Whose job is it to provide a performer in "The Wrestling Dog"?

4. Who does the voice come from on Dave's way to work?

5. What does Frank's mother-in-law not offer him that has him upset in "No Flies on Frank"?

Short Essay Questions

1. Compare the symbolism and themes of the story "The Wrestling Dog" and the poem "Good Dog Nigel."

2. What does the dentist tell the woman about the state of her teeth in "At the Denis"? What does this prompt her to do?

3. Define the term "portmanteau" and give examples of this in "At the Denis."

4. Describe how Lennon uses the illustrations to complement the writings in this book.

5. Describe the word "macabre", and explain how this applies to "Good Dog Nigel" and "No Flies on Frank."

6. What is "Good Dog Nigel" about?

7. What is the ending of "No Flies on Frank"? What is Frank left feeling?

8. Describe the rhyme and meter of the short poem, "Good Dog Nigel."

9. Describe the women in the following selections: "Partly Dave," "No Flies on Frank," and "At the Denis." Compare and contrast each.

10. Compare the characters of Eric Hearble and Frank. How are these characters similar? How do they differ?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the term "satire" as it applies to Lennon's works. Give examples of satire in different selections from the book.

Essay Topic 2

What is "nonsense literature"? Who is the major influence of Lennon's in this genre? How does this term apply to the works of In His Own Write?

Essay Topic 3

Compare the poems "Good Dog Nigel" and "Alec Speaking." How do these poems compare structurally and thematically?

(see the answer keys)

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