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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. With whom has Willie been having an affair?

2. When Jack returns to his office, he finds that ______________________________ have been begun for State Auditor, Byram B. White.

3. What is the quality of Willie's speeches?

4. Who befriends Willie to keep an eye on his campaign for the Harrison faction?

5. Who are Willie and his entourage visiting at a farm?

Short Essay Questions

1. What leads Jack to explore the judge's interest in the American Electric Power Company?

2. What is the reason that Willie's wife, Lucy, is leaving him?

3. What conflicting information about Judge Irwin's financial history?

4. What happens at the school two years after the new school is built?q

5. What does Jack recall about his childhood at the beginning of Chapter 3?

6. Why does the author have Jack return home from California?

7. How is the relationship between Willie and Adam solidified?

8. To whom is the construction contract awarded and why?

9. What does Jack's father mean when he shouts "Foulness" when Jack mentions Judge Irwin's name?

10. What purpose does Chapter 4 serve for the novel?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Some psychologists might say that Tom Stark's indiscriminate behavior is a child calling for help. Do you agree or disagree with this premise? What do you think Tom truly wants from his parents? Do you think Willie is so permissive with Tom because Willy had to work so hard on the farm when he was a boy? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

In Chapter 2, Willie is branded as a nigger lover. Explain what this term means. Why was it "acceptable" to use in 1922 and not tolerated at all today? Has society matured? Are people more sensitive? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

What is the symbolism of Willie Stark's name? Does his name fit his bold physicality? How about his brash personality?

(see the answer keys)

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