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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. Where do Rachel's parents go in Chapter 9?

2. What does Izzy tell Rachel about Eva, on their walk in Chapter 22?

3. Why is Grandpa Izzy angry at Rachel in Chapter 20?

4. What else does Izzy say to Rachel every day after their walks when they reach his apartment lobby?

5. Who does Izzy say Rachel should have been named for?

Short Essay Questions

1. Is Rachel mature or immature?

2. Why did Uncle Lenny and Izzy have a falling out?

3. Describe the dinner when Izzy cooks for Rachel.

4. How does Rachel recognize Izzy's bad mood in Chapter 22?

5. Describe Rachel's first kiss.

6. Describe the picture of Izzy and Eva that Izzy gives to Rachel.

7. Based on his actions in Chapter 12, is Lewis a sympathetic person?

8. Describe the Scrabble game in Chapter 24.

9. Describe Izzy and Rachel's bus trip.

10. What kind of a person is Helena?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

One theme of After the Rain is the competition for affection and attention. Analyze how this plays out between the following sets of characters:

1) Lewis and Izzy.

2) Helena and Rachel.

3) Rachel and Alice Farnum.

Essay Topic 2

Should the Coopers have told Izzy about the severity of his illness earlier, or was Dr. North right not to tell him since there was not a cure for his cancer? What determines whether it is right or wrong to give someone this sort of information? Under what circumstances would you change your answer?

Essay Topic 3

Izzy's death leaves some of his family members regretting their unfinished business with him. Why do you think Izzy was unable to form close and lasting ties with anyone but Eva and Rachel? Is the Cooper family better off now that he is dead? Support and analyze both of your answers.

(see the answer keys)

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