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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 was the keyword when referred to Mendy?

2. What was the author afraid of?

3. What did the author ride from the east side?

4. Why did the author keep going back to the barber shop?

5. Which of the stations is the author's favorite?

Short Essay Questions

1. The author liked to go to the courtyard to hear music, why was there always music in the courtyard?

2. Who were the two colorful women the author remembers in great detail?

3. What did the author write his final high school paper on?

4. Where did the author's walks take him when he walked to the edge of Brownsville?

5. The author met two boys who were part of the Socialist group, David and Isrolik. What was it about these boys that the author enjoyed?

6. What is so significant about the author not being able to find his mother during the funeral service for Mrs. Solovey?

7. The author read from his prayer book every morning. What were his feelings and experiences?

8. The author gave Mrs. Solovey an alternative name -- what was the name and why did he give it to her?

9. When Mrs. Solovey makes a visit to the author's home, she engages the author in conversation but soon becomes frustrated. Why does she become frustrated?

10. On the day of his confirmation at thirteen, the author discovers something in his study of the Bible. What did he discover?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Shame is a recurring theme in the book. Using examples from the book, describe the 2 main causes for the author's shame.

Essay Topic 2

When the author talks about his longing for "beyond," what does he mean and how does he feel he can accomplish this goal? Please make sure to include examples from the text in addition to your own ideas.

Essay Topic 3

In specific detail from the book, list important objects from the author's childhood kitchen and their role in his daily life and the energy of the home.

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This section contains 846 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample