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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. Richard regrets he and Karina never got to have what?

2. With only one working hand, Richard can only play which piece?

3. Who is the nurse-practitioner overseeing Richard's medical care?

4. Where does Elise invite Karina as they take their morning walk in Chapter Eight?

5. While sitting on the bench, Richard reflects that Curtis provided both him and Karina with what?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Richard accidentally call Karina?

2. Who is Martyna and how did she influence Karina?

3. What does Kathy DeVillo recommend Richard start doing in Chapter Seven? Explain several things.

4. After Richard loses the loss of his arms, how does he feed himself? What does Bill add to Richard's food in Chapter Eleven? Why?

5. How did Richard meet Karina? What were his initial impressions of her?

6. What is the "invisible presence" Richard feels every morning and why does he tell himself to be grateful for it?

7. What does the prologue to the novel illustrate about Richard?

8. What is Richard's relationship like with his father?

9. Who is Elise and how did Karina meet her? What does Elise want Karina to do?

10. Who is Trevor and what has he said regarding Richard's illness?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

At one point in the novel, Richard thinks that “living with ALS is a practice in the art of Zen” (98). Explain the truth behind this belief as evidenced by the novel.

Essay Topic 2

Compare and contrast Richard’s relationship with his father and with his daughter. How are they similar, and how are they different? Does Richard arrive at a place of peace with each before he dies? If so, how?

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay exploring how Richard’s relationship with Karina changes over the course of the novel.

(see the answer keys)

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