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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. Which of the following is the name of the insurance company that Henry sells insurance with?

2. Who is wondering why Bruce is being played in the games?

3. Which position does Dutch have on the team?

4. How are Henry and Bruce separated during the tour while playing baseball?

5. Different from the earlier location given in the book, which of these is actually Bruce's hometown?

Short Essay Questions

1. What caused Bruce to join and leave World War II?

2. What clause does Henry insist be included in his contract?

3. Which types of employment does Henry have as the story begins?

4. How does Henry convince Bruce that he is not dumb?

5. What happens when Bruce steals a base?

6. Why does Henry leave a game of Tegwar in Chapter 8?

7. Where are Henry and Bruce going in Chapter 2, and what do they talk about on the trip?

8. Why are Henry and Bruce concerned about other members of the team knowing of Bruce's illness?

9. Why does Henry think that Bruce's father knows about Bruce's condition?

10. Which things does Henry discuss with Katie at the restaurant?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Analyze three examples of symbolism in Bang the Drum Slowly. Include a description of each symbol, how it appears in the book, and what it represents for the characters and/or the plot.

Essay Topic 2

While Henry is away from home, he and Holly use creativity to communicate with each other.

1) Compare the technology in the 1950s to current times and discuss which aspects of it are mentioned in the story.

2) Describe three examples of how creativity is used in the book to compensate for technology that had not yet been developed.

3) Analyze the role of technology in the settings for a fictional work.

Essay Topic 3

Harris uses various techniques in the story's narration.

1) Explain the styles of dialogue that are used and how they add to the effectiveness of the narrative and the characters.

2) Describe three examples of how Henry speaks directly to the reader as if he were not a fictional character.

3) Compare Henry's narration of certain characters with his opinion of them.

4) Analyze how the line between fiction and reality is blurred in the book and why.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 692 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample