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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. In Chapter 20, what does Paul reveal to Spenser about his dreams?

2. What does the visitor in Chapter 22 ask for Paul and Spenser to do?

3. What is Spenser's response when Paul asks him why he thinks that Paul's parents say everything is for girls?

4. What favor does Spenser ask of Susan in Chapter 23?

5. What is Paul's opinion on possibly finding out some less-than-desirable information on his parents?

Short Essay Questions

1. Aside from making sure that Paul has a presentable suit to wear to the ballet, what is the point of taking Paul to Louis' to get a suit?

2. Why does Paul's revelation that he would like to be a dancer important?

3. Why does Spenser believes that teaching Paul to run is important?

4. Is Spenser's evaluation of Susan's attitude in Chapter 23 an accurate one? Why? Why not?

5. Why does Spenser does not take a television to the cabin with him and Paul?

6. How does Spenser handle the confrontation with Patty in Chapter 22?

7. Was it a good idea for Spenser and Paul to break into Mel's office? Why? Why not?

8. In Chapter 17, Paul asks Spenser why he cannot simply leave him alone. Spenser replies that he cannot leave him alone because everyone in his life has left him alone and it has not done him any good. He also tells Paul that his goal is to help him become a better person. What does Spenser mean by that?

9. What is Susan's opinion about Spenser keeping Paul?

10. Why does Spenser decide to take Paul to Fryeburg and build a cabin?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Spenser feels that the only way to make Paul grow up and become self-reliant, and in turn survive, is for him to get away from his parents. When Patty comes back to Spenser to take Paul back, Paul refuses to go and Patty leaves without him. This begins Spenser thinking about issues like parental rights and kidnapping, which Susan is also concerned about.

Part 1) If you were Spenser, what would your thoughts on these two topics be, pertaining to Paul? Would you agree with Susan, or would you agree with Spenser?

Part 2) If you were Paul, what would your thoughts on these two topics?

Essay Topic 2

Another major theme of this story is that of personal responsibility. Explore the idea of personal responsibility as it relates to each major character (Spenser, Susan, Patty, Mel, and Paul). How does each character feel about personal responsibility? How do they demonstrate those beliefs? Use instances from the text to support your answers.

Essay Topic 3

Patty uses her sexuality and the act of sex to define herself and to measure her self worth.

Part 1) Do you think that is healthy? Why? Why not?

Part 2) How does that outlook hurt her ability to be a mother to Paul?

Part 3) How does that outlook influence Paul?

(see the answer keys)

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