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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 does Oskar decide to do in the final moment of Alive and Alone?

2. What does Oskar think is "grody" about the story of The Sixth Borough?

3. In Why I'm Not Where You Are, what news can Thomas not bring himself to tell Grandma about her father?

4. How does Abby Black know William Black?

5. In his fourth message, what does Dad say the people in his tower are doing?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Dad relate about optimism to Oskar in the The Sixth Borough?

2. What major item movement happens between the sixth borough and and Manhattan as it drifts off?

3. What decision does Oskar make at the end of Alive and Alone?

4. What is the living arrangement between Grandma and Thomas in Why I'm Not Where You Are?

5. How does Oskar overcome a phobia in Alive and Alone?

6. What is revealed by the long jump at the beginning of The Sixth Borough?

7. How does Oskar's presentation go at the beginning of Happiness, Happiness?

8. Describe Thomas's experience during the bombing of Dresden.

9. What does Stephen Hawking say to Oskar in A Simple Solution to an Impossible Problem?

10. How does Oskar Schell meet Thomas, Sr. at the beginning of Alive and Alone?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

One of the most whimsical and tragic figures of the novel is A.R. Smith, the old photographer the floor above Oskar. Write an essay about A.R. Black, his worldview, and his impetus to help Oskar on his quest. How does his extensive card catalogue reflect a particular worldview? What in his past could have contributed to this worldview? Why do you think that A.R. Black decides to join Oskar on his search, and why do you think 6 months is enough searching for him? Sum up by offering an opinion as to where he goes when he moves out of Oskar's building. Do you think he moves in with Ruth Black?

Essay Topic 2

In many ways, a deceased parent will always seem more attractive to the a child sees and argues with every day. Write an essay comparing Thomas Schell, Jr., and Mom, based on Oskar's attitudes toward them. How does Oskar's impression of Mom suffer as a result of Thomas's death? What resentment does he develop towards her, and how does it manifest itself? Conversely, how does Oskar remember Thomas? Do you think that his image of his father has grown unfairly perfect in memory?

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay about the marriage between Grandma and Thomas Schell, Sr. How do they find their way into each other's lives and to what extent does the tragedy of Dresden's demise play a central role in bringing them together? Chart the progression of their relationship in America form reconnection to courtship and through their marriage. How does the development of rules lead to the eventual end of their marriage? What happens when he returns to her?

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