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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 Jack call John's wife?

2. What is the topic of the sermon Lila puts by John's bed that was dated June, 1947?

3. How old was John when Lila first came to church?

4. Why does Jack tell John that he (Jack) lies a lot?

5. What confession does John make about Jack as part of a burden of guilt he feels?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does John give Lila instruction prior to her baptism, and what is the nature of this instruction?

2. What does John believe about the soul in Paradise?

3. How does John respond to Jack's question about his family moving to Gilead?

4. John writes an extensive contemplation of the Ten Commandments, focusing on the Fifth Commandment. What are some of his thoughts?

5. What are Jack's reasons for coming home to Gilead?

6. How does John recall Boughton's parents?

7. How does John attempt to love Jack?

8. What moves John to tears during his conversation at the church with Jack?

9. What is the content of the conversation that Jack and Lila have as John feigns being asleep?

10. What is John's response to the possibility that there may be something approaching love between Lila and Jack?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In the section encompassing pages 86 - 104, an image of communion is presented, as it is throughout the novel. Consider the significance of this ritual outside the walls of a church. Discuss what the implication of this event is, especially in light of the theme of the relationship between fathers and sons outside the realm of religion. Factor in, too, the relationship between John and Jack.

Essay Topic 2

Compare John's relationship to his son to the relationship John had with his father. Discuss the similarities and differences. Was John sorry for the way he was brought up by his father? Does John have any regrets as to how he is bringing up his own son? Discuss.

Essay Topic 3

Several important truths about Jack Boughton are revealed on pages 217 - 233. Identify these truths, and discuss how it is shown that Jack might be developing some sense of character.

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