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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. The man looks at a photograph of which family member?

2. After the man returns from the war, he plays one sport for two weeks. What is the sport?

3. What is the profession of Jimmy's father?

4. In "Pendergrast's Daughter," what is the name of the girlfriend?

5. How many dancing bears are on a tour?

Short Essay Questions

1. In "Nadine at 35: Synopsis," explain what Nadine does when her husband leaves her and why she allows him to come back.

2. Why does the girl think the U.S. is being attacked by Russian missiles?

3. Discuss the meaning behind the man's action in "Fingers."

4. How does the therapist behave in an unprofessional manner?

5. Discuss the opening scene in "Ponderosa."

6. Explain the issue in "From the Floodlands" and the realization of the people.

7. What is the main issue with Jimmy in the beginning of "Ponderosa?"

8. "The Father" discusses the birth of a new baby and the family resemblance. What opinions are voiced?

9. How do Karen and Konrad meet in "Roseville?" What event does the meeting prompt?

10. In "Love Poems," a man is inspired to write a love poem to his mistress. It is the best poem the man has ever written. Discuss the man's work and what he does with it in the end.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

"Fingers" is a strange tale about a woman that must subdue her kitchen before every evening meal. Discuss the author's format and style as well as possible inspiration for the story. What about the kitchen and its utensils and appliances that cause the compulsion to destroy and/or hurt oneself? What other compulsions, if any, are present? What is the gory outcome of the story? How will it change the nightly kitchen ritual?

Essay Topic 2

In "Ponderosa," Jimmy is unhappy. Jimmy has been cheating on his wife although he denies it to his wife and father, who is a minister. The father tries to talk to Jimmy, but to no avail. Through an accident, Jimmy has half of his jaw shot off. The father sees it as divine intervention. Discuss Jimmy's predicament. Why does Jimmy continue to see his mistress if he is unhappy? What kind of upbringing did Jimmy have as the son of a minister? Does the father really believe that Jimmy's "accident" was divine intervention? Does Jimmy believe it? How does the accident affect Jimmy's life? Discuss the story from both sides. Also discuss what might have happened if Jimmy had not been shot.

Essay Topic 3

Franky Gorky may be "The Nicest Kid in the Universe," but Franky is none too bright. Write two short stories about a character like Franky, or perhaps yourself, who receives three wishes. One story will reflect wise choices using the three wishes, and the second story will reflect making foolish choices. Would it be hard to decide what to do with the wishes?

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This section contains 1,052 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample