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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 does Don remember about Joe Kulbeth when he sees him?

2. Why did guards call for help after Don's accident?

3. What kind of injuries did the drivers of the other cars involve receive?

4. Why is Don on the verge of death again six days after the accident?

5. Why does Dick scramble from Don's car?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who does Don meet in the hospital that helps him and how do they meet?

2. What happens to Don on a daily or basis that leaves him in pain and exhausted?

3. What is one thing that happens that gives Don hope?

4. What is Don thinking about a few days after the accident and the events surrounding it?

5. What does Don not experience and what does he experience when he dies?

6. How is Don feeling in the hospital and who tries to help him?

7. What hit Don and what happened to his car?

8. What is the conference Don attended focused upon?

9. What does Dick do when he goes to Don's car?

10. What do the paramedics do about Don when they first arrive at the scene of the accident?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Don continues to suffer from severe depression. He is battling anger, which is often unleashed on the medical staff.

1. Discuss why Don might take his anger out on the medical staff.

2. Discuss how you think you would feel in Don's position?

3. Why do you think the staff tolerates Don's anger and abuse?

Essay Topic 2

Don has difficulty discussing his trip to heaven with anyone for several years after the accident. Don told Eva only a tiny portion of what had happened, and she never pesters him with questions, sensing he is not ready to talk. One day, David Gentiles visits Don at home and asks Don how he is feeling. As the conversation progresses, Don begins to share the entire story of his ninety minutes in heaven with David.

1. Why do you think Don was able to tell his story to David and not to Eva?

2. Do you think that Don and Eva must not have a good marriage if he tells someone his story before he tells her? Why or why not?

3. How would you feel if you were Eva? Discuss in detail what she might have been feeling and how you would react if you were her.

Essay Topic 3

The boys respect the fact that Don cannot run and play like he once did and do their best to shelter their father from any disappointment by not engaging in sports with him.

1. Why do you think the boys decided to not engage in any sports with him? Use examples from the book to support your answer.

2. Do you think the boys should have handled sports in a different manner? Why or why not?

3. Do you think Don appreciated his sons not participating in sports with him or did it make him feel worse? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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