View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What did Hank's father realize as he listened to his lecture being delivered by someone else?

2. How does Hank describe a professor's inability to lecture?

3. How does Hank try to get in touch with his son-in-law the morning after his night in jail?

4. After leaving his ceiling and his office, Hank finds his son-in-law, Russell. Where is Russell?

5. As Hank leaves his mother outside the large Victorian house, what does he notice?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Lily doing now? What project had Jacob Rose submitted that Lily and Hank got a grant for?

2. In Chapter 31, what does Tony tell Hank about Yolanda Ackles?

3. What are Hank's Prologues to Book One and Two about, and where are they published? What is his mother's reaction to his writing?

4. What is the status of Hank and Lily's daughters? What are they doing?

5. When Hank gets to his office the morning the goose is found hanging in the tree,, what emotional state is his secretary in? Why is this?

6. How did Devereaux Sr. attempt to cope with his problem?

7. Where does Hank go after he visits Paul Bourke's place? What happens there that upsets Hank?

8. Russell goes along to the party for Tony, and tries to get Tony's computer to work, without success. While this is going on, a large group of the professors get stuck in the room, and cannot seem to be able to figure out how to get out. What is Hank's observation on this?

9. Where do the professors gather for a party for Tony? Why are they having a party for him?

10. When Hank finally goes to see his father in his new house in Railton, what is Hank's reaction? How does he react to what his father says about the writer Charles Dickens?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Conflict is a common element of writing, in both fiction and nonfiction. Why is conflict so often used in narratives? How can it help add interest to a narrative? Give four examples where conflict in "Straight Man" occurs and how the examples helps explain the dynamics of one week in the life of Hank Devereaux. Include and identify at least one of each type of conflict that occurs in the novel.

Essay Topic 2

In reference to the organization (plot) of "Straight Man":

(1) Why are the events of the novel arranged as they are?

(2) What moves the narrative along? Is it external action or internal conflicts? Or is it a combination of both? Support your answer with examples.

Essay Topic 3

Why do you think Richard Russo included an Epilogue in "Straight Man"? (i.e., what do you think his intent was?) Give three reasons why you believe the Epilogue is an effective way to end the novel.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,306 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample