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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 26, where do Paul and Spenser stay the first night?

2. The first morning that Paul and Spenser are in the cabin, what does Spenser set out for breakfast?

3. What does Paul's dad, Mel say about the ballet?

4. How does Susan describe the relationship that parents have with their children?

5. Who are Spenser and Paul looking for after lunch in Chapter 24?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. How does Susan feel about Spenser sending Paul and Patty to her house in Chapter 13?

5. Why does Spenser agree to keep Paul after the kidnapping scare when Patty is taken hostage?

6. Does Susan make a good point about parental rights in Chapter 23? Why? Why not?

7. Why does Paul force Spenser to wake him the way that he did in Chapter 16?

8. Why is the discussion that Spenser and Paul have in Chapter 21 about the rules of fighting an important one?

9. What type of character is Harry Cotton?

10. Why does Spenser feel that teaching Paul to box and weight lift is important?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

One major theme throughout the book is autonomy, or self-reliance. We see that Spenser is a very self-reliant individual, and he sees that Paul is not, and that without the skills of autonomy, Paul will not be able to survive on his own. Explore the idea of autonomy as it relates to Paul; what will his world look like if he continues down the path that he was on before he met Spenser. What will his world look like after he leaves Spenser for school? Use instances from the text to support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

Mel Giacomin is the main antagonist (villain, bad guy) of the story. He is not a very complex character, and has very few personality aspects. Unlike Spenser, when he is faced with some tough decisions, he does not make good ones. and definitely makes some decisions which could be viewed as morally problematic. In a story rife with "bad guys" and "seedy characters", what makes Mel the antagonist of this story? Use instances from the text to support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

Who is your favorite character in "Early Autumn"? Explain your answer; using specific examples from the text if necessary.

(see the answer keys)

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