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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why does Dave grow to hate his father?
(a) His father treats his brothers better.
(b) His father fails to rescue him.
(c) His father leaves the family.
(d) His father starts beating him.

2. How often does Dave receive lunch during the summer of 1971?
(a) Every other day.
(b) Every three days.
(c) Never.
(d) Once a week .

3. What have the challenges of Dave's past done for him?
(a) Made him hate himself.
(b) Made him lose his self-confidence.
(c) Made him stronger inside.
(d) Made him timid.

4. What is Dave's punishment for exceeding the allotted time for chores in Chapter 5, The Accident?
(a) A burn from the stove.
(b) A slap.
(c) A kick.
(d) No food.

5. How does Dave refer to Mother's house after his father leaves?
(a) The Madhouse.
(b) The Prison.
(c) The Dungeon.
(d) The Nuthouse.

6. As Dave watches an old piece of driftwood as it washes ashore, what does he imagine the wood is trying to do?
(a) Sink into the sea.
(b) Speak to him.
(c) Struggling to stay ashore.
(d) Break itself on the rocks.

7. When Dave brings home a letter from Mr. Zeigler telling Mother about Dave's being the top student in the class, how does Mother react?
(a) She tells Dave that she wishes he were dead.
(b) She gives Dave a hug.
(c) She says that she is proud of him.
(d) She burns the letter.

8. As Dave contemplates his abuse as a child, what does he reveal that he felt was causing his dire situation?
(a) The jealousy of his brothers.
(b) The lies his teachers told his mother about him.
(c) His misbehavior.
(d) A giant undertow was sucking him down.

9. What lie does Dave's mother tell everyone about what Dave did to her while she was pregnant?
(a) Dave pushed her down the stairs.
(b) Dave kicked her in the stomach.
(c) Dave threw soap in her face.
(d) Dave tripped her.

10. What position does Dave's mother force him to do while the rest of the family eats?
(a) Standing with his face against the wall .
(b) The prisoner of war position at the bottom of the stairs.
(c) Kneeling on the floor in the corner.
(d) Standing on a chair in the corner.

11. What does one of the ladies in the neighborhood give to Dave out of sympathy in Chapter 6, While Father is Away?
(a) Lunch in a brown bag.
(b) A new shirt.
(c) A piece of cake.
(d) Fifty cents.

12. How does Dave feel as he looks at the rundown cabin where his family used to vacation?
(a) Sad.
(b) Indifferent.
(c) Angry.
(d) Happy that it's falling down.

13. Where is Dave driving to after he leaves his view of the Pacific Ocean in the Epilogue?
(a) To his old school.
(b) To his brother's house.
(c) To his mother's house.
(d) His secret utopia.

14. What does Dave do to keep from screaming while his stab wound is being cleaned?
(a) Stuffs a rag in his mouth.
(b) Buries his face in a pillow.
(c) Puts his fist in his mouth.
(d) Bites his tongue.

15. Why does the school nurse begin to be interested in Dave's condition in Chapter 6, While Father is Away?
(a) The substitute teacher reports Dave's condition to her.
(b) She notices Dave's wretched appearance.
(c) One of the other children reports Dave's condition to her.
(d) One of Dave's neighbors calls the school.

Short Answer Questions

1. Where does Dave's mother have him sleep after she carves pumpkins with his brothers?

2. When Dave's mother returns from the zoo, what does she do to him?

3. Who does Dave hate more than anyone else?

4. Who does Dave rely upon when he needs encouragement and strength, according to the Epilogue?

5. By Chapter 7, The Lord's Prayer, when does Dave believe he will be free of his mother?

(see the answer keys)

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