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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. How does the man in the concentration camp try to justify his actions?

2. What memory does this trigger?

3. Into what does he see his grandmother crammed?

4. When he says nothing, what does his father do?

5. What does the protagonist do when Kathleen attempts to start a conversation?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does the protagonist believe his grandmother is outside his room?

2. Why does the protagonist begin to tell the stranger his story?

3. What happens right before the accident?

4. What is significant about this meeting between the protagonist and Kathleen?

5. How does the protagonist react to the stranger's honesty?

6. To what does the title refer?

7. What happens, moments after the protagonist and Kathleen meet?

8. Describe the protagonist's first evening with Kathleen.

9. What memory does he then recall?

10. How does the scene end?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The novel ends with the main character crying.

Part 1) For what is he shedding tears?

Part 2) Is he healed? Why or why not?

Part 3) Will his relationships with others be different now, after the destruction of the painting? Why or why not?

Part 4) Will he reconcile with Kathleen? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

The cab accident acts as a catalyst.

Part 1) How does it act as a catalyst?

Part 2) What does the protagonist learn about himself through this accident?

Part 3) How has the protagonist changed because of this accident? Why?

Essay Topic 3

The main character thinks more about death than life.

Part 1) How does this affect his relationship with others?

Part 2) What would his grandmother think about this? Use the text to support your response.

Part 3) Based on this story, how does the author believe one can change and enjoy life?

(see the answer keys)

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