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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 do the Langs and Morgans plan to do at the end of the summer?

2. How does Sally get to the terrace?

3. What new experience does Larry have in Vermont?

4. Larry says that people are made to _______________________________.

5. What does Sally ask Larry to do?

Short Essay Questions

1. Explain the metaphor of Adam and Eve used throughout the novel.

2. How do the Charity, Sid and Sally remain in character when facing Charity's imminent death?

3. Explain how Charity's simplistic view of life is in contrast to both Sid and the Langs?

4. To what does Larry compare the drowning mouse he comes across while searching for Sid?

5. Why does Sid not want to go on the family picnic?

6. How does Charity maintain control even though her death is imminent?

7. How is Charity managing her illness?

8. How does the theme of rescue extend in Part 2: Chapter 2?

9. How has the necessity for rescue changed between the two couples?

10. Explain the method that Sally has of categorizing her memories.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe the nature of Larry and Sally's marriage. Why are they perfectly suited for each other? How does the author indicate that theirs will be a successful, long-term marriage? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

The author begins the story in the present day and tells the story through a series of flashbacks. Why did he choose to tell his story this way? In what way is a flashback technique more interesting for a reader? In what ways is it more complicated?

Essay Topic 3

The Adam and Eve metaphor continues when Sally gets ill. Why does Larry know that they are about to be "banished from paradise?" What is the outcome of Larry's premonition? Is he right or wrong? Explain.

(see the answer keys)

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