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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. At whose farmhouse does Jeff begin to spend more and more time?

2. That summer, Jeff decides to set up a _____________ business with the Tillermans.

3. When Dicey becomes angry with Jeff, he begins to feel the same way he felt when ____________ was angry with him.

4. What is Jeff surprised to find on his report card, though his father is not?

5. What does the girl do when she returns a week later after running away from Jeff and his guitar?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does the girl that stops to listen to Jeff do when she comes back to visit a second time?

2. What does Jeff realize about Dicey when Dicey's mother dies?

3. What does Jeff do for the Tillermans, though he has gone out of his way to avoid them after Melody's visit?

4. Why is the Professor worried when Gambo's lawyer is coming to visit their house?

5. What had Melody told Jeff she would have done if he was a girl instead of a boy?

6. Why do Brother Thomas and the Professor show up at the amusement park to see Jeff?

7. What does Jeff do during the last free period of the day during his sophomore year of high school?

8. Why does Jeff begin to ride the roller coasters after returning home to his father's house?

9. Ten days before school lets out, what does Jeff see when he reaches his house?

10. Why does Jeff decide to stay instead of running away from Melody as she sits on the lawn?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The title of the story is "A Solitary Blue," and while the imagery comes to life later in the story, there are more layers to this title's meaning.

Part 1: Why do you think this title was chosen for this story?

Part 2: In what ways do all of the characters experience solitude?

Part 3: Why is solitude an important motif in this story? What does it say about relationships?

Essay Topic 2

The relationships between men and women are not as simple as we might like them to be.

Part 1: Why do you think the relationship between Professor and Melody did not work out?

Part 2: Do you believe the explanation as to why Melody married the Professor? Why or why not?

Part 3: How do you think the relationship between Professor and Melody might affect Jeff's perception of relationships?

Essay Topic 3

When the Professor gets a lot of money for his book, he realizes they can move to a fancy house. But he and Jeff decide not to do so.

Part 1: Why do you think the Professor and Jeff decide to live in the isolated cabin?

Part 2: Why do you think the Professor even suggested he and Jeff move to a bigger house?

Part 3: Why is the cabin setting a good environment for both the Professor and for Jeff?

(see the answer keys)

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