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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. Why is Bubba Offenhaus head of civil defense?

2. What has happened to the McGoverns' house?

3. Where does Randy stop on his way home from town?

4. What does Ben ask Randy?

5. What are Anthony and Cleo?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does the announcement from the Acting Chief Executive tell the people of Ft. Repose?

2. Who is Florence Wechek and what is discovered about her at the beginning of the book?

3. Randy receives a call from Western Union. Who is the telegram from and what does it say and mean?

4. Where did Randy go after he left the bank and what did he do?

5. What does Randy drink in the morning and what does his friend, Dan, say about it?

6. Why does Mark give Randy a check, what might they do with the money and how do they part?

7. What does Randy think of Florence at the beginning of the book?

8. How does Florence know Randy and what does she think of him in the beginning of the book?

9. What do Helen and the children want to do when outside and what happens to them?

10. What does Mark do after his family leaves for Orlando before he reports to work?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The impact and implication of the nuclear conflict started that early December morning is so extensive the term used to denote it is singular, The Day.

1. Why do you think people call it "The Day" and kept time by before and after it? Use examples from the book to support your answer.

2. What other events have occurred in history that have changed the way time is recorded? How does one of the events relate to "The Day" in this book?

3. Tell about a time in your life or someone you know where you or someone you know thinks of life as "before" and "after."

Essay Topic 2

Ironically, Edgar starts a bank run and single-handedly destroys the cash and credit he believes civilization needs to survive. He is humiliated and takes his own life because he cannot face it.

1. Do think humiliation could actually cause someone to commit suicide? Why or why not?

2. What do you usually do when you've been humiliated or very embarrassed?

3. What have you learned from times in which you've been humiliated or embarrassed? How would it relate to Edgar?

Essay Topic 3

In times of deprivation, dream fantasies like Randy's coffee and eclairs relieve anxieties associated with desire. The dream is a real Lib and coffee but Randy selflessly asks to be sure everyone gets a ration of the scarce treats.

1. Why do you think Randy is dreaming of coffee and eclairs? Use examples from the book to support your answer.

2. Do you think dreaming or thinking about something you can't have is healthy? Why or why not?

3. How do you think the loss of common everyday items has changed Randy's character? Use examples from the book to support your answer.

(see the answer keys)

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