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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. Who has asked Norman to help his brother-in-law?

2. What is the name of Norman's brother-in-law?

3. What does Paul hope to avoid?

4. What profession does Norman and Paul's father have?

5. Where does Paul suggest that he and Norman take the drunken Neal?

Short Essay Questions

1. Which of the two brothers is the better fisherman?

2. Where do Norman and Paul escape from Norman's family problems a few days later?

3. Why does Norman's mother-in-law enlist Norman's help on Neal's behalf?

4. On what is the story based?

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

6. Who goes on the fishing trip the next morning?

7. Where do the two brothers go fishing?

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

9. What is the occupation of Norman and Paul's father?

10. Why does Paul try to avoid Norman?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Maclean's stories in this collection are based on real-life characters whom Norman feels are larger than life, certainly larger than himself. What character traits does Norman have that the other characters do not? Why is he just as important to the stories as the other characters he seems to admire?

Essay Topic 2

Explain the symbolism of Norman's ritual of bathing in the river each night after the days spent with Jim. How do you think Norman's days begin? Do you think he can almost feel the grime of Jim's lifestyle rubbing off on him as he spends time with him each day? As far as Norman is concerned, does the river have enough water to wash away the residue of being near Jim Grierson?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 600 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample