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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. Why does Mrs. Weaver blame Big Will for the family's problems?

2. Why does Cyril tell Willie that he doesn't "do dreams"?

3. How does Jenny make amends for upsetting her aunt?

4. What causes Willie's accident?

5. How old is Willie Weaver at the beginning of the novel?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Lacey bring Willie to see his son?

2. Why does Willie go back for Kam instead of leaving him behind in the fire?

3. How does Big Will actually harm Willie in trying to help him?

4. What do Jenny and Johnny reveal about their families?

5. In what ways is Oakland different from Coho, Montana?

6. How does Johnny Rivers react to the news that Willie and Jenny are dating?

7. Why does Willie complain that "they always tell you things when it's too late"?

8. What advice does Cyril Wheat give to Willie about how to deal with his friends?

9. What suggestion does Cyril Wheat give Willie regarding his dreams?

10. How has Willie's attitude toward Jenny changed since the summer?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How does Willie's perspective on taking risks develop throughout the novel? What experiences change the way he feels about taking risks?

Essay Topic 2

Analyze Willie's reasons for returning to Oakland. Did he make the right decision? Why, or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Describe the ways in which Big Will's interest in his son are narcissistic. In what ways does he rely on his son's accomplishments for his own self-worth? How does this perspective affect his relationship with his son? How does Willie's accident, and later disappearance, affect Big Will's sense of self?

(see the answer keys)

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