View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is the reason Ed cannot go to the Stage Coach Inn tonight?

2. What day is it when Chapter 2, Part 3 begins?

3. From where does Caroline return this morning?

4. What does Julian's father chastise him for?

5. Where is Al Grecco coming from as Chapter 1, Part 3 begins?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the irony about Dr. English's view on his son's alcohol abuse?

2. What are Al Greco's living arrangements?

3. Who are the principal managers of the Stage Coach Inn?

4. What is the irony of Julian's reaching out to Monsignor Creedon?

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

6. How do the Englishes behave toward Julian and Caroline at Christmas dinner?

7. What is the nature of organized crime in the story?

8. Explain the inner workings of status in the mob.

9. How does the author show that Lute and Irma have a good relationship?

10. Describe Julian's father.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What was the author's purpose for establishing the story at the Christmas holiday? Is there any significance to his choosing this holiday? What is particularly poignant or painful about this choice for his characters? Explain.

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

Money and status are very important to the characters in the novel. Choose at least three characters and cite how each one works to maintain a certain lifestyle or achieve a certain lifestyle.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 761 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample