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

2. What is the story that Patty recalls in Chapter 13?

3. Why does Susan feel the way that she does about the idea of Paul being away from his parents and learning self-reliance?

4. In Chapter 26, where do Paul and Spenser stay the first night?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Why does Spenser send Paul and Patty to Susan's house in Chapter 13?

4. 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?

5. Is Spenser's plan to blackmail the Giacomins in order to make them pay for Paul's education and living expenses, as well as staying away from him a good plan? Why? Why not?

6. As evidenced in his conversation with Spenser in Chapter 20, why is Paul curious in relation to why his parents think the way that they do?

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

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

9. In Chapter 21 we are able to see how Paul is growing both physically and emotionally. How has he grown?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

If you were the author of "Early Autumn", what is one aspect of the story that you would change? Why would you change it? How would it affect the overall story?

Essay Topic 2

Spenser is the protagonist (hero, good guy) of the story. He is a complex character with many personality aspects who makes some very tough decisions throughout the book. What makes Spenser the hero of the story, even though he makes some decisions which could be viewed as morally problematic? Use instances from the text to support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

As the book progresses, we learn that Spenser has a very sensitive and thoughtful side. He has some very deep thoughts on life and the way that it should be lived, including personal boundaries and living with yourself if you have to cross those boundaries. Use the text to explore those thoughts in greater detail.

Part 1) Why do you think that Spenser has those ideas?

Part 2) Why do you think that Spenser feels that it is important for Paul to understand such ideals?

Part 3) Do you agree with his ideals? Why? Why not?

(see the answer keys)

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