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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 is something that Frank's ex-wife can live without?

2. At the beginning of the story, what is Frank lost within?

3. At the meeting in Detroit, what does the football player announce to Frank?

4. How does Frank speak with his ex-wife?

5. After having drinks in Chapter 4, where does Frank find himself parked after having drinks with Walter?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens when Frank is met by his doctor while waiting in line at the airport?

2. What has become a ritual for Frank and X?

3. What is Frank nervous about with Vicki in Detroit?

4. What do Frank and Vicki do after landing in Detroit?

5. How is Frank handling his divorce with X?

6. What makes Frank's human-interest story, the interview with the football player in Detroit, difficult to write?

7. How has the death of their son Ralph taken a big toll on Frank and X?

8. Why does Frank go through Vicki's purse?

9. How is Frank's desire to both be a part of his family again and to allow his ex-wife to go on with her life without him evident?

10. Why does Walter feel drawn to Frank?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

After Frank leaves Walter's apartment, Frank drives around alone for a while and ends up at the train station. Frank finds comfort in watching people come and go. Write about the symbolism of Frank's life to the train station.

Essay Topic 2

The death of their son Ralph made a big contribution to the divorce of Frank and X. Frank and X also had large parts in the falling out of their marriage; although all of it appears to have been rooted in Ralph's death. What were some of the things Frank and X did after Ralph's death to contribute to their divorce? Give specific examples and details. What was the final event that led to the divorce? Be specific in your details. Finally, how are Frank and X's two living children handling the divorce of their parents? How can you tell?

Essay Topic 3

After Ralph died, Frank had many affairs and socialized with other women. What is the irony of Frank and X's divorce? Give specific details and examples to support your answer.

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