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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 object does Goose shoot in Chapter 16 to find out if there are bullets in the gun?

2. What are the players complaining about as they look at their place in the league?

3. Where does the title of the book come from?

4. Where are Henry, Bruce, and Sid when Henry notices that Sid knows about Bruce's condition?

5. How does Dutch's wife learn about Bruce's condition?

Short Essay Questions

1. How is the title of the book explained in Chapter 15?

2. What decision does Henry make about life at the end of the book?

3. Who selects the flowers to send to the funeral for Bruce's mother, and why?

4. How does Henry describe Bruce's last hit?

5. Why is it particularly significant that Henry chews tobacco with Bruce?

6. What causes Bruce to ask Henry to change his insurance policy?

7. What is Bruce's reaction to the passing of his mother?

8. When does Bruce leave the team to go back home?

9. Why is Henry hesitant to change Bruce's insurance policy?

10. What influence does Red's coaching have on the team?

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

Bruce's illness demonstrates how a crisis can often bring out the best in even the most unlikely characters.

1) Describe the reaction of the other players on the team to Bruce's illness.

2) Explain which characters change the most and why the change could be considered surprising.

3) Analyze how a tragic situation can bring out the best in people in life.

Essay Topic 3

Bang the Drum Slowly ends with Henry's decision to live life with new priorities.

1) Describe the changes that have taken place in Henry throughout the book.

2) Explain how Bruce has caused Henry to understand which things are really important in his life.

3) Analyze the new outlook that Henry has on life and the future.

(see the answer keys)

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