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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 Julian calls, what does Macon negotiate for?

2. According to Muriel, why is her sister the favorite?

3. On his first trip in the novel, what does Macon do once he has arrived at his destination?

4. Why does Sarah grip the dashboard?

5. What is Macon wearing on the drive back from their vacation?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Muriel upset about Macon finding out she has a son and what does her misunderstanding lead to?

2. Briefly describe Macon's relationship with Muriel and Alexander in Chapter 14.

3. Recount Macon's trip to England, paying close attention to his specific habits and goals.

4. At Rose's and Julian's wedding, why is Macon worried that he's attracted to women like his mother?

5. On Christmas, what does Muriel's mother, Mrs. Dugan, tell Macon about her daughter?

6. In Chapter 17, why is the story Muriel tells Macon about a man she "cured" who left her?

7. What does Julian offer to Macon when he comes over in Chapter 6?

8. According to Macon, what was his mother like while he was growing up and how did she approach parenting?

9. How does Edward respond to Muriel and her training lessons?

10. What is the series of books Macon writes called and why is it significant?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Loss is a major theme in "The Accidental Tourist." The loss and suffering of children are the impetus for other losses, namely marriage.

1. Discuss the possible reasons why Macon and Sarah and Muriel and Norman are unable to take solace in their suffering over their children.

2. Why do you think Tyler utilizes children as the starting point to explore the consequences of grief?

Essay Topic 2

What does Tyler want readers to understand about being saved in life and who does the saving? Who are the heroes and heroines in this novel? What is the overall message or theme of "The Accidental Tourist"?

Essay Topic 3

Macon's inability to communicate presents major difficulties for him. Discuss the psychological reasons behind his withdrawal from those around him, and the ramifications of his actions, beginning with his marriage to Sarah to the present day.

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