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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. Who accuses the valet of stealing the family's silver?

2. Which of the following groups of men almost passes as "good enough" for Kneadus' desire to meet a farmhand?

3. What topic of conversation are the Youngbloods in when the parents argue about passing the salt?

4. What motivation does Uncle think Kneadus has in befriending the valet?

5. Who arranges for the valet to be fired after being caught in the woods with Kneadus?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does the narrator explain his beliefs that all art is an imitation?

2. How does Mr. Youngblood react to the scene he walks into in Zuta's bedroom while looking for thieves?

3. How does Aunt Hurlecka come to Joey's rescue while he is on the outskirts of town?

4. How does Joey feel about the decorations in Mrs. Youngblood's bedroom?

5. What does the narrator of the novel believe is the worst form of torture in the world?

6. How does Mrs. Youngblood react when she realizes that Joey is in love with Zuta?

7. Why does Joey alter the fruit compote he is served for dessert with the Youngblood family?

8. What happens when Joey and Kneadus reach the edge of the city in their search for the farmhand?

9. What causes the epileptic seizure that frightens the crowd of spectators at the tennis match?

10. How does Auntie feel about the budding friendship between Valek and Kneadus?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Kneadus's main goal for the entire novel is to locate and connect with the farmhand. First, describe the character of the farmhand. What makes this character so desirable to outsiders? Then, describe how Kneadus finally met the farmhand he was searching for. What was the outcome of this meeting? Finally, describe the outside reaction to the idea that a master could befriend a servant. How did this reaction directly affect the relationship between Kneadus and his farmhand?

Essay Topic 2

At various places in the novel, the prose is broken up with chunks of poetry or quotes from other published authors. First, choose at least two of these quotes from the novel and explain their significance within the story. Then, explain what is accomplished in the novel overall by including these secondary texts. Do you think the goal is accomplished?

Essay Topic 3

Throughout the novel there are many references to the human body. Choose at least two scenes in which a part of the human body is a key element. What metaphor is being created through the use of these body parts? What is the overarching message the narrator is trying to communicate about the symbolism of the human body in literature?

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