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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. Who does Monette compare gays' plight to?

2. What makes Paul feel guilty for his acceptance to the three Ivy League schools he applies to?

3. What word choice is Monette aware of but feels the need to use?

4. Whom does Paul call the "deviants?"

5. Why is it surprising Bobby makes it to high school and college?

Short Essay Questions

1. As Paul plays as child, what causes an argument between his mother and father? How does each of them feel about Paul's playing habits?

2. Why is poetry a great escape for Paul?

3. Compare and contrast the student population of Philips with the public schools Paul attends in Andover.

4. Even after befriending gays in the theatre troupe why does Paul feel the need to continue to stay in the closet?

5. Find three words to describe Paul's high school years. Refer to examples.

6. Compare and contrast Paul and Kite's relationship to Paul and Richie's relationship.

7. What does Bobby's education consist of? How does he show appreciation for the Marland sisters many years later?

8. Why does Paul consider his parents brave? What shows that his parents are different from other parents in Andover?

9. Describe Jackie and Big Paul's reaction to Paul's magazine collection.

10. How does Paul relate to Jarrel's poem "The Woman at the Washington Zoo?"

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write about the different ways Paul and other gays in the book cope with their sexual preference. Do more hide it or are there more gay men who feel comfortable showing their real selves? Does it matter where the person is raised? Does it matter what age? Consider Raf, Lonnie, Alex, Paul, Doug, etc.

Essay Topic 2

Paul describes "keeping the wounds raw." How does this statement describe Paul's life and his writings?

Essay Topic 3

Jackie and Big Paul raise Bobby as if there is nothing medically wrong. What benefits and consequences result for Bobby and the family from this style of coping? Consider physical and emotional benefits and consequences.

(see the answer keys)

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