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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 do people come to hear Willie speak?

2. On what topic does Willie complain to Jack about Lucy?

3. What literary technique does the author use to take the story back in time again?

4. How does Jack come in contact with Cass Mastern?

5. What happens to indicate that Lucy is not engaged in Willie's life?

Short Essay Questions

1. When is Jack able to leave California and return home?

2. What is the author's purpose for beginning the novel in the way he does?

3. What does the new hospital symbolize for Willie?

4. What had happened to Anne after she breaks up with Jack and graduates college?

5. What happens in Chapter 8 to make Adam want to resign as director of the hospital?

6. What is the nature of Jack's second historical project which he launches in Chapter 5?

7. Explain the actions in Chapter 9 which create not only the climax of the novel but also the classic theme of good vs. evil.

8. Why is the move to hire Adam Stanton as the administrator of Willie's new hospital so out of character for Willie?

9. What is the nature of Anne Stanton's depression?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is the symbolism of Jack Burden's name? Do you feel that he carries a burden? Or is Jack himself the burden?

Essay Topic 2

Explain the author's use of local color particularly regarding speech and dialogue. How can you tell the differences in the characters backgrounds and experiences by the way they speak? Do you think Willie's colorful speaking style is exaggerated or is it realistic?

Essay Topic 3

Explain how Willie's role as protagonist evolves as the plot extends. How does Willie change from the hard-working farm boy to a manipulative politician? What are Willie's motivators? Is Willie the typical protagonist hero at heart?

(see the answer keys)

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