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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. In what state did Swede grow up?

2. What does the narrator say Jerry is accustomed to being in Chapter 3?

3. Besides being self-absorbed, what other word is used to describe Swede's daughter in Chapter 3?

4. What age is Merry when she and Swede are at a seaside cottage in the book?

5. How tall is Merry?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Nathan's interaction with his old girlfriend Joy at his class reunion.

2. Describe Rita and Swede's conversation after she reveals she is Merry's friend in Chapter 4?

3. What is the nature of Nathan's conversation with Ira at the high school reunion?

4. What is the nature of Nathan's reminiscence about "The Kid from Tomkinsville"?

5. Swede reads about bombs over five years after Rita's visit that remind him of Merry. How are they described?

6. How does the narrator describe the lack of a generation gap in his neighborhood?

7. What does Swede remember about when Merry watched monks on TV?

8. What does Nathan reminisce about regarding his high school memories while preparing a speech for his reunion?

9. How are Merry's physical attributes described as she grows up?

10. What does one doctor say about Merry's stuttering in regard to her perfectionist family?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Throughout the book, one of the things given a great deal of detail is the author's portrayal of America.

Part 1) How does Swede's love of America reflect the sentiments of his neighborhood growing up?

Part 2) What do Merry's political beliefs as a young woman say about her feelings towards America?

Part 3) Does the author paint a favorable picture of America?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the author's use of tone. What details is the author able to introduce about the characters by using varying tones in one chapter?

Essay Topic 3

Compare and contrast Jerry and Swede. What is significant about the personality and moral differences in these two characters?

(see the answer keys)

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