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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. What does Jack think he can find to blackmail Judge Irwin?
2. What kinds of stories are surfacing at the newspaper office, The Chronicle?
3. How far is Burden's Landing from Mason City?
4. What is Judge Irwin's response to Willie's request?
5. When Jack returns to his office, he finds that ______________________________ have been begun for State Auditor, Byram B. White.
Short Essay Questions
1. How does the author begin the story in the present time of 1936?
2. What leads Jack to explore the judge's interest in the American Electric Power Company?
3. Jack is not the only character undergoing a radical shift in perspective. What happens to Willie after the football game injury which paralyzes his son, Tom?
4. What is the nature of Anne Stanton's depression?
5. How do Willie's problem-solving tactics emerge after his son, Tom, has a car accident?
6. Explain the literary technique of flashback that the author uses in Chapter 1.
7. Explain how the novel ends on a small glimmer of hope.
8. How is the relationship between Willie and Adam solidified?
9. What purpose does Chapter 4 serve for the novel?
10. Explain Anne's pattern of not committing to any permanent relationship in her life.
Essay Topics
Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:
Essay Topic 1
Discuss the author's use of the literary technique of flashbacks in the novel. What is the purpose of a flashback? Is the information gleaned from the flashbacks sufficient to flesh out the bones of the literary framework the author has established? Is the technique of a flashback and the resulting flash forward disconcerting to the reader, even though necessary?
Essay Topic 2
Do you think Jack was surprised to learn about Judge Irwin's acceptance of the bribe related to the utilities company case? For some reason, Jack has an instinct that Judge Irwin's vulnerability is related to money. Why? Is it sad or practical that Jack can learn about the judge's flaw and accept it? Explain why Jack feels the need to research the judge in the first place.
Essay Topic 3
What is the symbolism of Jack Burden's name? Do you feel that he carries a burden? Or is Jack himself the burden?
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This section contains 1,073 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) |
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