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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 was the only person allowed to enter Chance's room?

2. When EE visits Chance in his room the next morning, what does she reveal to him?

3. What medical condition did Chance's mother have?

4. Who is the "fat maid"?

5. What does Chance insist he has done all of his life?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Chapter 1, when Chance is in the garden, what is his mood?

2. Why does EE change Chance's name when he introduces himself?

3. Chapter 2 explains how Chance feels when he does not look at people. Explain this feeling.

4. By Chapter 3, the author has shown the reader what Chance's personality is like. How would a reader describe Chance's personality?

5. In Chapter 2, what are Mr. Franklin and Miss Hayes trying to discover about Chance?

6. How does the day begin after the Old Man dies in Chapter 2 ?

7. How did Chance know when it was time for him to leave the study?

8. Readers discover how Chance got his name in Chapter 1. How did he get his name?

9. Why is it that Chance does not appear in any of Mr. Franklin's records?

10. Why can't the new maid in the Old Man's house vouch for Chance belonging there?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In the beginning of the novel, Chance is thinking about and comparing plants with people. By the end of the book, he is again in a garden but has no thoughts at all and feels nothing but peace. Considering all that has happened between the beginning and the end of the book, what occurs that finds Chance at peace with himself at the end? Be sure to include incidents from the story that can support your views.

Essay Topic 2

Chance's father is never revealed in the book. It is only implied that the Old Man may be his actual father.

A) Explain why Jerzy Kosinski may have decided to keep the Old Man's identity so mysterious.

B) Other than Chance's father, who could the Old Man symbolize? Why?

C) Explore the Old Man's personality keeping in mind that he may be Chance's father.

Essay Topic 3

Consider the characters of Chance and Chauncey Gardiner even though they are essentially the same person.

A) Compare and contrast the characters of Chance and Chauncey as seen through the eyes of others.

B) Why is it that Mr. Franklin does not remember where he has seen Chauncey before?

C) How is it that Chauncey's image disappears for Chance by the end of the book?

(see the answer keys)

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