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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. Whom does Paul call the "deviants?"

2. What secret does Bobby and Jackie have between them?

3. How is Paul received when he returns home over his first Christmas break from Yale?

4. Why is Bobby separated from his family for three months?

5. Who is Paul's main friend as a child?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens by the end of 8th grade that makes Paul more determined to hide his homosexuality? What is Paul's reaction to this event?

2. How is the Andover Spa a good place for Paul?

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

4. Describe Andover, MA as Monette grows up. How does Paul's childhood neighborhood affect his decision to not come out with his sexual orientation?

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

6. Describe the atmosphere at Philips Academy. Include brief history, the students who attend, the faculty and staff, and school norms.

7. Why is poetry a great escape for Paul?

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

9. Although Paul admires Cody, how is this relationship yet again one-sided? How does Paul place greater importance on popularity than friendship?

10. What three things are against Paul when he enters Philips Academy? How does it tag him as a "loser" from the beginning?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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 3

What is the purpose of writing "Becoming a Man:Half a Life Story?" What does Paul hope his readers will understand and get from his autobiography?

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