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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 asks Johnny to reevaluate his future, saying that he doesn't have much time?

2. How does Owen respond to Barb Wiggins' teasing?

3. What does Owen say before he makes the cut on Johnny?

4. What unusual article of clothing is Owen wearing when Johnny arrives?

5. What color is Owen's father's truck?

Short Essay Questions

1. What significant events happen when Randall White is elected headmaster?

2. What happens to the boys' grades once they get to the University?

3. How does Owen react to the nuns at the academy?

4. What happens when Owen, as The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come, takes Scrooge to his grave?

5. What happens with Owen's collegiate schooling after he is kicked out of Gravesend Academy?

6. What is ironic of Johnny's job as an adult?

7. What does Johnny think he sees when he is peering out at the audience from backstage during the Christmas pageant?

8. As an adult, what is Johnny discussing with Canon Mackie?

9. How does Barb Wiggin treat Owen, and what is his reaction?

10. What chilling event happens after Owen believes he has seen his own death?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Even though Hester, Owen, and Johnny have a very tight friendship, there are moments when they all begin to doubt each other. In an essay, explain why the boys (either together or individually) doubted some of the decisions that Hester was making. Why did Johnny and Hester (either together or as individuals) doubt some of the decisions that Owen was making? What is the importance of those doubts in the novel? How had their friendships managed to overcome the doubt?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Hester Eastman plays the role of an important romantic interest for both Johnny and Owen. In an essay, compare/contrast young Hester Eastman with the adolescent Hester Eastman. What characteristics did the boys find attractive about her at both ages? How would you describe the relationships that Johnny and Owen had with Hester? How were they the same? How were they different? Which relationship seemed to make more sense? Even though there were deeply unhealthy behaviors in both, which relationship could you have seen lasting longer? Why?

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