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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. What does Sharon think of John's attentions?

2. What ails John's brother, Lonnie?

3. What does John listen to as he falls asleep?

4. What does Kate admit to John?

5. Why is the meeting going to be serious?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Kate decide to do about her therapist?

2. Who does John feel that he has fallen in love with?

3. What kind of books does John like to read at the library?

4. What is John searching for as the novel begins?

5. What does Kate reveal to John about her happiest day?

6. Who does John remind his mother of?

7. Does Kate understand John's quest?

8. Where do the two decide to go once at the Gulf Coast and why is John surprised when they arrive?

9. What important question does John ask Kate in this chapter?

10. What important decision does John make that turns out to be a good idea?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Everyone in the book is very nervous that John will "end up like his father." What are some qualities that John's family members do not want him to inherit from his father?

How could Aunt Emily have made John' life choice easier? Could she have supported his search but also asked him to take more responsibility for his life?

Essay Topic 2

John's longing for a deep and close relationship with a woman is constantly explored throughout the book:

1. Who does John attempt to create relationships? Why does he choose these types of women to go after?

2. How does John's relationship with Aunt Emily, his mother, and Kate, hinder his ability to create healthy relationships with other women?

3. How does John's relationship with movies and being a moviegoer stop him from building relationships.

Essay Topic 3

1. Compare Harold's wife to a typical Southern housewife. How do their actions and behaviors differ from one another?

2. Why is Kate so put out by Harold's wife?

3. Because Kate constantly looks to find her freedom from New Orleans society, is it interesting that Kate is shocked by Harold's wife's actions?

(see the answer keys)

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