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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. When the Carvers return to Nashville, and the story comes out in the press, what does Mr. Carver say to his family?

2. What is Mr. Carver doing in the car in Chapter 8?

3. What thing does Philip remember most clearly about the moves in his life?

4. With whom does Mrs. Carver spend much of her time on the Saturday outings?

5. What do Alex, Phillip and his father see as they pull into the driveway of the house?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Chapter 8, Betsy and Josephine have prepared a bed for Phillip in their father's study. However, Phillip does not stay. He leaves his father and sisters and returns to New York. Why does he not remain and defend his father against his sisters? Why does Phillip leave so hastily?

2. In Chapter 9, Phillip visits Holly in her apartment in the hopes of a reconciliation. What do the two of them talk about for the first time openly and honestly? What has happened in Holly's life during their separation?

3. During the drive from the church to Mr. Carver's home in Chapter 8, Phillip begins thinking of what his father might do next. What things does he think are possible? Why does he believe his father might do any of them?

4. In Chapter 7, what happens at the church? How does Mr. Carver react to the news? What does he say to Alex and Phillip?

5. When Mr. Carver dies in Chapter 12, Holly's father also dies. The two of them return to New York after the funerals, and continue their lives together there. Phillip describes them both as "serenely free spirits." What has caused him to characterize himself and Holly in this way?

6. In Chapter 12, Phillip begins calling his father on a weekly basis. Why are those calls important to Phillip?

7. In Chapter 9, Phillip explains the difference between his father and Alex Mercer as an important factor in their friendship. What is this difference?

8. In Chapter 8, how does Phillip react to his sisters' actions? How does Alex react?

9. In Chapter 8, Alex, Phillip and Father pull up to the house from the church. What is happening as they arrive? Why?

10. In Chapter 9, Phillip gives us a glimpse of Holly's life. How do we learn about Holly and how she fits into her family?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Georgie Carver, the eldest son in the novel, is dead throughout much of the story. Who was Georgie? What do you know about his relationship members of his family? Is Georgie an important character in the novel?

Essay Topic 2

Who do you think is the most memorable character in the novel? Why?

Essay Topic 3

In the beginning of the novel, Holly believes Phillip is obsessed with his family. As the novel continues, she changes her opinion. Phillip learns more about Holly's family, and it becomes evident that there is a strong similarity between Holly and Phillip. What is this mutual experience, and how does it better explain their relationship?

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