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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. What is Chance's reaction when Mr. Franklin asks him is he intends to make a claim against the estate?

2. Chance basically did two things in the Old Man's house. Those two things were what?

3. What does EE discover upon talking to Chance when he wakes up?

4. What did the Old Man's bedroom look like?

5. What does EE offer Chance to help ease his pain?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. When Chance goes upstairs to the study in Chapter 2, who is waiting for him there and what do they want?

3. Why does Chance wear sunglasses to meet with the lawyer and his assistant?

4. In Chapter 1, readers understand that Chance does exactly as he is told by the Old Man? Why is this?

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

6. What is the maid's reaction to the Old Man's death in Chapter 1?

7. Why does Chance pretend to be able to read the paper that the lawyer gives him to sign?

8. Chance notices the TV in the rear of the car and asks if it works. Why does EE assume that he wants to watch TV at a time like this?

9. Do you think Chance acted appropriately in response to the Old Man's death in Chapter 1?

10. Why does EE decide to invite Chance to stay at her home?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Various meanings for the book's ending have been explored, ranging from Chance leaving this world to go to heaven to an exploration of Chance developing his own personality using stepping stones in a garden.

A) Explore your thoughts on the significance of the book's ending.

B) Compare and contrast it with one of the endings listed above.

C) Give examples from the book to support your theory.

Essay Topic 3

What are the political ramifications included in the book? What political era do the scenes with the Soviets evoke? Why? Are the parts of the book involving the Soviets and the President relevant in today's political world? How or how not?

(see the answer keys)

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