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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 does Harry agree to do for Olympia the day of the ball?

2. Who has the week off work?

3. Harry relates himself going to The Arches like Martin Luther King going to an event hosted by whom?

4. What type of shoes does Olympia buy Veronica?

5. Who does Olympia plan to ask to help Frieda since Harry will not help her get to the ball?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Olympia so thankful to see Charlie in Chapter 6?

2. What does Olympia have to run out to buy for Virginia at the beginning of Chapter 8?

3. Why is Olympia angry at Harry's choice not to go to the ball?

4. How does Harry feel about The Arches ball?

5. Why is Olympia so angry that Steve broke up with Virginia on the night he did?

6. Why does Harry feel bad for not helping Olympia?

7. What happens to Max that makes life more difficult for Olympia right before the ball?

8. Describe Charlie's relationship with Max.

9. Why is Virginia upset at the end of Chapter 7?

10. Why is Steve coming to the ball?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Money versus happiness is a theme that plays a role in the book. Think about how important money is to Chauncey and then think about how love and happiness is important to Olympia and Harry. Does money buy happiness? Can people be happy without money? Use details from the book to craft an essay on the topic.

Essay Topic 2

The author tries to paint Olympia as a character who has a "perfect" life. Do you think Olympia has a perfect life? Explain your reasoning using details from the book.

Essay Topic 3

How do the family's Jewish and Protestant cultures play an important role throughout the novel? Do their cultural differences add depth to the novel or is it unnecessary?

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This section contains 686 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample