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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 the narrator say you never get used to "no matter what anyone says about it" in Chapter 4, "The Hit-Thumb Theory" (114)?

2. How old was Tommy Guptill when his farm burned?

3. What is the name of Linda's husband in Chapter 3, "Cracked"?

4. Why does Charlie feel particularly guilty after he and Tracy part ways in Chapter 4, "The Hit-Thumb Theory"?

5. What is the name of Marilyn Macauley's husband?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who is Lucy Barton and what is revealed of her story in Chapter 1, "The Sign"?

2. Describe the narrative style of Chapter 2, "Windmills."

3. What is the meaning of the title of Chapter 1, "The Sign"? To what does the "Sign" refer?

4. Why does Pete Barton ask Tommy to stop coming to see him? How does Tommy respond?

5. In what setting does Chapter 4, "The Hit-Thumb Theory" begin? What mood does the setting evoke?

6. How would you describe the narrative style in Chapter 1, "The Sign"?

7. Why does it strike a nerve with Pete when Tommy asks about his mother?

8. What setting is featured in the ending of Chapter 4, "The Hit-Thumb Theory"? Why is this significant?

9. What does the field of windmills symbolize in Chapter 2, "Windmills"?

10. How is the narrative related in Chapter 3, "Cracked"?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the characters and relationship between Charlie and Tracy in "The Hit-Thumb Theory." For how long have these characters known one another? How did they meet? What happens to their relationship in this narrative?

Essay Topic 2

Describe and discuss the character of Tommy Guptill in the novel. What are Tommy's actions, objectives, and obstacles in "The Sign"? How would you describe Tommy's outlook in life? Where does he live? How old is he?

Essay Topic 3

Describe and discuss the exchange between Abel Blaine and Linck McKenzie in "Gift." How do these characters meet? Who controls their interaction? What is revealed through their exchange and how does this connect to the themes in the work?

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