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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 day is it as the novel opens?

2. In what room are the characters sitting?

3. To what does Irma look forward to next year?

4. What has Julian's father not yet learned?

5. How much did Ed Charney give Al to have Ed's car washed after Al got out of prison?

Short Essay Questions

1. How is the cycle of alcoholism complete for Julian now?

2. What does William English do for the first ten years after his father's death?

3. What was the fate of Julian's grandfather?

4. What happens when Julian goes to Harry's house?

5. Explain the etiquette dynamics of parties held in Gibbsville in regard to escorts for the women.

6. What does Caroline threaten Julian with if he does not straighten out the mess with Harry?

7. What comment does Lute make that is foreshadowing for an upcoming event?

8. What does Christmas dinner at Julian's parent's home exemplify?

9. What coping mechanisms do Julian and Caroline use to try to control the alcohol abuse?

10. How does the author contrast Lute Fliegler to Julian English in this chapter?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is the irony of Julian's wish to use his middle initials--McH? What do the initials indicate about his background? Why is Julian so proud of his initials? What would Julian's feelings be about his initials if he were to discover their actual heritage?

Essay Topic 2

Describe Ed Charney. What is his role in the story? What is his relationship with Al Grecco? With Julian English?

Essay Topic 3

Describe Lute Fliegler. What is his role in Julian's life? What is his role as a husband? What is his purpose in the novel overall? Explain.

(see the answer keys)

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