View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does Garner Bolt visit Macon?

2. According to Macon, what is a huge waste of energy?

3. How does Macon sign his letters to Sarah?

4. What does Macon daydream about when Sarah calls?

5. What year do Macon and Sarah meet?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Muriel Pritchett when Macon first meets her and when he picks up Edward.

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

3. Why does Macon return to his childhood home in Chapter 5?

4. What happened to Macon and Sarah's son, Ethan?

5. Why does Sarah call Macon while he's traveling in Canada?

6. In Chapter 4, how does Macon occupy his time?

7. What is significant about Macon's visit to a restaurant at the top of a sky-scraper in New York?

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

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

10. What have Macon and Sarah gone through over the past year?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Throughout the novel, Muriel and Julian try to become members of the Leary family, and are thwarted by Rose and Macon in various ways. Ultimately, they are successful in winning over their partners. Discuss the similarities between these two characters, and their possible motives for wanting to be a part of the Leary family.

Essay Topic 2

Grief plays a large role in the dissolution and reconciliation of Macon and Sarah's marriage. Discuss how Macon and Sarah experience grief in the novel, and how each recovers from their loss.

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 686 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample