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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. After receiving his award at Georgetown University, what does the author receive?

2. How is Joe's father, "Dike" Carroll, occasionally employed?

3. To where does the Carroll family return from Germany in 1960?

4. Silence during their ride home does what between James and his father?

5. Who is a sexual image ideal for the author?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who is in attendance for his first mass and sermon?

2. How does James' antiwar stance affect his father?

3. What is Joe's attitude about human nature?

4. What is known about Francis Cardinal Spellman?

5. How does Roger Touhy who is a Chicago bank robber, kidnapper and killer that have a significant impact on James' father's career?

6. Why is FDR an admired president?

7. How do Joseph and Mary react to Joe junior's contraction of polio?

8. Why does Joe feel like a disgrace for leaving the seminary?

9. What do Joe and Mary do for their Chicago guests and relatives from Chicago?

10. Why is the General in a somber mood on the drive home with his son?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

When given a crayon, Joseph, in the depths of his Alzheimer's, writes his wife's name repeatedly.

Part 1) Why do you think he does this?

Part 2) What does this say about his choice to leave the seminary and wed Mary?

Part 3) How might this make Mary feel? Why?

Essay Topic 2

Throughout the book James' opinion of the military, the government, and war change drastically.

Part 1) What does James think of these as a child? Why?

Part 2) How does his opinion change over time? Why?

Part 3) How do his actions match his change in opinion?

Essay Topic 3

Pope Paul VI shocks many in government positions and is one of many who protest the Vietnam War.

Part 1) How does Pope Paul VI shock those in government?

Part 2) How do others react to what the Pope preaches?

Part 3) What other people promote peace?

(see the answer keys)

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