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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. How old is Paul when he is first introduced to sexual experiences?

2. Where does Paul like to study with his friends?

3. What is the biggest change Paul encounters in high school?

4. What does Paul vow after feeling betrayed by a friend?

5. What unlikely event does Grandmother Lamb do?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Paul change as soon as he attends college?

2. Describe Bobby's character and how he manages his medical condition. How does Paul feel about Bobby and his capabilities?

3. Describe in detail what Paul sees as he gets his lunch by the sixth grade lockers. What is his reaction?

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

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

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

7. Describe Paul's religious education and background. What are his personal feelings about it? What particular memory does he mention that shows how he feels about God?

8. Describe the hierarchy of class among the students at Philips Academy. Where does Paul fit? Where does he want to be?

9. By whom and how are the Apollos revered at Philips?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Paul refers to occurrences that relates to his brother Bobby throughout the book. Based on Paul's writings, describe Paul's relationship with Bobby. What kind of a big brother is Paul to Bobby? Provide examples from the book.

Essay Topic 2

Paul is always talking about moving to California and how he loves it there. Why does Paul remain in the Northeast? What stops Paul from heading to California? Are there obligations, fear, or something else? How does his decision to stay reflect on Paul's inability to move forward in his life?

Essay Topic 3

Paul meets many people in his life as he searches his way out of the closet. Even before Roger, there are glimpses of hope and encouragement from his friends and people in his lives. Write about the people in Paul's life that inspire him to come out of the closet. How do they encourage him to be true to himself? Even if they are not the ones to ultimately get him out of the closet, how do they bring him closer to coming out safely?

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