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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 does Tom feel after reading Renata's book?

2. Who is Benji Washington?

3. What does Tom recall Savannah used to do with special gifts?

4. Who hatches a plan to rescue "The Amberjack's" cargo?

5. How does Luke advise Tom on winning the fight?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Tom recognize as he has dinner with his mother?

2. Why is it ironic that Oscar Woodhead hoists Benji on his shoulders after Colleton beats North Charleston?

3. What is significant about the new black student's ability to beat Tom in a race?

4. What does Tom admit is even worse than the story of his family's attack?

5. What does Henry's visit to Tom in this chapter reveal about Henry's character?

6. What does Tom realize after reading the first page of Renata's book?

7. What admission does Susan make that startles Tom over dinner?

8. Why is Lila bitter about Tom's decision?

9. Why is Tom jealous of Savannah in Chapter 18?

10. Why does Tom agree to help find Luke?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In 1906, George Santayana penned the famous line, "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it" (from "The Life of Reason"). Does Conroy's novel support or refute this assertion?

Write a critical lens essay in which you interpret Santayana's quote, agree or disagree with the quotation as you have interpreted it, and provide evidence in the form of specific literary techniques from the text to support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

There is one character in the novel who plays a very small but powerful role in the lives of the Wingos: the name known by the children as "Callanwolde." What do we know about this persona? What might he represent? What role does his presence play in the larger narrative?

Write an essay that explores this character and analyzes how he exemplifies the pain and trauma in the lives of the Wingo family. Be sure to make clear and specific references to the text as well as literary techniques (symbolism, imagery, figurative language, etc.) as you develop your response.

Essay Topic 3

A theme and concern among many Southern writers is the collapse of the "Old South." William Faulkner, for example, dealt with this issue numerous times in his novels and short stories. Pat Conroy also seems to be making a statement about the South and its destruction through the traumatic events of the Wingo children.

Write a thematic essay in which you trace Conroy's treatment of the South and its collapse throughout the novel. Some questions to consider are: What seems to be the author's view of the South? How does he represent the South throughout his narrative? Does the end of the novel seem indicative of a resurrection of the Old South or are the traditions and ways of the past lost forever in the wake of progress and development?

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