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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. At the beginning of Chapter 1, how many times has Fix opened the door in the last half hour before Cousins arrives?

2. What was Heinrich's major in college?

3. After the divorce, where does Teresa get a job?

4. In Chapter 4, what does Franny get Jerrell to drink?

5. How much does Fix weigh in Chapter 2?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Bonnie, Beverly's sister, approach Father Joe Mike during the party in Chapter 1?

2. In Chapter 4, why is Franny a cocktail waitress?

3. Why does Cousins decide to attend the christening party in Chapter 1?

4. What is Franny doing when she sees Leon Posen in Chapter 4?

5. In Chapter 1, what is the scene in the kitchen after Fix greets Cousins and Fix goes to the kitchen?

6. How do the Cousins children feel about California?

7. In Chapter 3, what does Teresa think about Bert and his appearance?

8. What does Cousins discuss with Father Joe Mike at the christening party in Chapter 1?

9. Where did Heinrich go to college and what did he study?

10. Why is Leon Posen staying in Iowa City in Chapter 4?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In Chapter 1, in many ways, Bert is the opposite of Fix. The way that the author portrays the two characters makes Bert a character foil to Fix. How does the author make Bert a foil to Fix and how does that characterization advance the plot?

Essay Topic 2

At the end of the novel, Franny visits Bert. Why does Franny visit Bert, and what does her longing for home have to do with the visit?

Essay Topic 3

The author tells the stories with simple language. Characters who use simple language and who are less sophisticated seem to be portrayed by the author as more reliable. How does the way that the author uses simple language to portray characters make some characters seem more honest and trustworthy and others to seem to be dishonest and untrustworthy?

(see the answer keys)

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