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. Why do Norman and Paul have to move to a new fishing hole?

2. What do the brothers and their father do at the end of the day?

3. How does Norman feel when Paul is complimented on his fishing technique?

4. How does Norman get the news?

5. Why does Norman think that Paul stays close to him while fishing?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Reverend Maclean's second passion after religion?

2. How does Norman react to Neal's arrival a few days later?

3. What do Norman's wife and mother-in-law finally realize about Neal?

4. What is Norman's reaction to the phone call?

5. Why does Norman not remain to fish with Neal?

6. Who arrives to surprise Norman and Paul at the cabin?

7. Where do the two brothers go fishing?

8. What happens one night after Norman and Paul spend the day fishing?

9. What favor does Norman ask of his brother, Paul?

10. Why does Paul try to avoid Norman?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In spite of their differences, Norman and Paul have learned to respect each other. Name some of the qualities and behaviors that differentiate the two brothers. How are the brothers alike? Why does Mrs. Maclean seem to favor Paul over Norman? Is it because Paul is the baby of the family? Or does Mrs. Maclean know that Paul is especially vulnerable?

Essay Topic 2

Why does Norman find Jim Grierson to be such a repugnant character? What is known about Jim and Norman's backgrounds which may indicate the huge conflict in their personalities? Jim is probably intelligent because he reads all the time and he is crafty enough to make extra money, so where is the disconnect for Norman as far as Jim is concerned? Support your answer with examples.

Essay Topic 3

Do you feel that Norman is drawn to Bill Bell because Bill is a father symbol to Norman? Norman is seventeen years old and has his own father with whom he has a good relationship so why is Bill's opinion of him so important to Norman? Is Norman's age and inexperience a factor in Norman's feelings? Does he still need the approval of an older male figure, regardless of the circumstances? Explain your opinions.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 705 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample