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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 Norman decide to do because he is frustrated with his family situation?

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

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

4. Where do Norman and Paul fish?

5. What fact do the men not realize at the end of this day?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What do Norman and Paul receive in the form of sermons from their father?

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

4. Neal declares that he wants to fish but what does he do instead?

5. Why does Paul try to avoid Norman?

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Compare and contrast Norman and Jim Grierson. They seem to be complete opposites, yet Norman agrees to work with Jim. What would make Norman push past his personal distaste for Jim and agree to the working arrangement? Do you think Norman ever found any redeeming qualities in Jim?

Essay Topic 2

Mrs. Maclean dotes on Paul and refuses to talk about his death at the end of the story. Explain the concept of denial and how Mrs. Maclean will not address Paul's alcoholism. By refusing to look at Paul's weakness, how does Mrs. Maclean inadvertently contribute to Paul's death?

Essay Topic 3

Why is Norman drawn to Bill Bell? What is it about Bill's personality and behavior that is appealing? Why do you think Bill is so blase about Norman? Do you think Norman senses this and tries all the harder to impress Bill? Why does Norman need to be liked so much?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 676 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample