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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. To what drug is James addicted in the novel?

2. What holiday is it in the beginning of Chapter 17?

3. Alfred feels like there is a cold spot where in Chapter 14?

4. Mr. Donatelli encourages Alfred to drink what in Chapter 14?

5. Mr. Donatelli tells Alfred that he should do what in Chapter 18?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does the fight end in Chapter 16? How does Alfred feel about it?

2. How does Alfred feel the day after the fight in Chapter 16? What happens at work?

3. How does Alfred feel when his friends encourage him to work with kids at the school teaching about boxing in Chapter 16?

4. Describe Alfred's confrontation with James in Chapter 20. What is the outcome of their exchange?

5. How does the fight end in Chapter 14? How does Alfred feel about it?

6. What exchange does Alfred have with Aunt Pearl in Chapter 15?

7. How have Alfred's skills developed in Chapter 13? How has his character developed?

8. Where does Alfred go after being chased by the cops in Chapter 12? What does he do and think about his situation?

9. What exchange does Alfred have with Mr. Donatelli in Chapter 12? Where?

10. What leads to Alfred's lapse in training in Chapter 12? What does he do instead?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Analyze and discuss the theme of escape in the novel. How does boxing represent escape for Alfred? What does escape mean to James? How does Alfred's need for escape evolve in the narrative?

Essay Topic 2

Analyze and discuss Alfred's anticipation of his first fight in Chapter 14. How nervous is Alfred? How does Henry feel about the fight? How has the relationship between Alfred and Henry progressed at this point in the narrative?

Essay Topic 3

Analyze and discuss the theme of family in the novel. How is family illustrated at Donatelli's gym? How is this theme expressed through symbolism in the narrative? How does Alfred relate to his family?

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