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

Short Answer Questions

1. According to Macon, what is the main reason he can't come to dinner at Muriel's?

2. What does Macon remind Muriel about on the phone when he calls her while Sarah is at her sculpture class?

3. What does Mrs. Dugan tell Macon about Muriel's past?

4. What does Charles tell Macon regarding his relationship with Muriel?

5. Where does Muriel put Macon's hand when he spends the night at her house?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Compare and contrast the Leary Family and the Dugan Family. Discuss the following in terms of their function or dysfunction, their relationship to society and one another, and how Macon and Muriel fit in or don't it with them:

1. The roles of mothers.

2. The roles of fathers.

3. The roles of siblings.

Essay Topic 2

Holidays function as significant events for Macon and his family. Discuss the family dynamics at Thanksgiving and Christmas, and what they reveal about the characters' relationships with one another.

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 426 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample