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. How does Norman feel about Jim at first sight?

2. What does Jim complain to the cooks about?

3. What else does Jim do during the winter?

4. What does Jim never eat at breakfast?

5. How does Jim get Norman's contact information?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Norman especially annoyed when Jim has an affair with a local woman?

2. How is Jim's behavior at dinner?

3. How does Norman regain some composure after his trying days with Jim?

4. What question does Jim not ask Norman at dinner?

5. What is Jim's complaint about the cooks?

6. Who does Norman meet one summer while logging in the woods?

7. How does Norman come to feel about Jim?

8. Where is the location of the woods where Norman works?

9. What does Jim never eat at breakfast?

10. How does Norman perceive Jim?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Even though he loves his brother, Norman still feels pangs of jealousy when Paul receives positive attention. Cite examples of Norman's jealousy and his attempts to rise above any petty behavior. Does Norman let Paul bask in glory because he knows Paul is challenged in other ways? What does this say about Norman's character?

Essay Topic 2

Explain the concept of irony as it relates to Jim's not eating any pie even after he has complained relentlessly that the cooks do not serve any pie for breakfast. Why would Maclean choose to include this example of Jim's behavior? Not having pie for breakfast does not seem like a big infraction, so why does Jim not let it go? Then, after he has accomplished his goal of getting pie served in the mornings, why does he not eat it?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 616 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample