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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. How old was Johnny when his mother died?

2. Who takes the dressmaking dummy from Tabitha's bedroom?

3. Fill in the blank to the children's playtime chant: "Last one _____ has to kiss Hester the Molester!"

4. How does Johnny swear he will die?

5. What product does the Meany family produce with the return from the quarry?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Owen think he sees when he enters Tabitha's bedroom?

2. How does Johnny Wheelwright's mother die?

3. What happens when Johnny and Owen are investigating empty dorm rooms at Gravesend over the Christmas holiday?

4. Why does Owen's family switch to the Episcopalian church?

5. What is significant about Johnny Wheelwright's family?

6. How does Johnny react to Owen's baseball card apology?

7. How does Owen apologize to Johnny?

8. Why does Owen react so strongly to Johnny's opinion of his mother's death?

9. What was the conflict that Dan and Tabitha encountered when they were planning their wedding ceremony?

10. How do the other Sunday school students treat Owen?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Owen is surely the most confident character in the book, a characteristic that might not have been expected by the reader. In an essay, explain the symbolism of the armadillo throughout the story. Where and when does it appear? Does it's symbolism every change? Consider what the armadillo means to both Johnny and Owen as individuals. What do they use it for?

Essay Topic 2

Amputation becomes a large theme throughout the novel. Compare/contrast the amputation of the armadillo and the amputation of Johnny's hands. What is similar about them? What is the difference? What is the significance of the two amputations?

Essay Topic 3

Jealousy is another theme that becomes introduced into Johnny and Owen's relationship as they progress into adolescence. In an essay, explain two of the major events that prompt jealousy between the two boys and the ways that the jealously is overcome. What was it that the boys discussed/decided, if anything, to smooth out their relationship? Had Owen lived into adulthood, do you imagine that jealously would have continued to live in their relationship? What adult events might have transpired that one boy, or the other, could have been jealous of?

(see the answer keys)

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