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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. Why does Brenda chastise Neil after he returns home and calls her?

2. What does Neil do from his desk on the main floor?

3. What shows that Neill is not a part of Brenda's social set?

4. How often is Neil seeing Brenda now?

5. How has Mrs. Patimkin reinvented herself?

Short Essay Questions

1. How has the relationship developed between Neil and Brenda?

2. What does the basement reveal about he Patimkin family?

3. Early in the story what gives Neil away as a consummate romantic?

4. Besides his week at Brenda's house, what else does Neil have to look forward to?

5. Explain the prejudice of the head librarian against the boy.

6. How is Julie's character further defined in the play room that evening?

7. How does Aunt Gladys show that she is somewhat isolated in her Newark Jewish community?

8. What does Neil tell Brenda about his family?

9. Explain the social and economic difference between Brenda and Neil.

10. How does Neil feel sitting at the table with the Patimkin family?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Locate symbolism in the book and explain the examples you choose. For example, what is the symbolism of the young boy growling at the lion statues in front of the library? Find and explain at least two others.

Essay Topic 2

Write a paper about conspicuous consumerism as it relates to the Patimkin family and their motives for wanting to live in the large house in Short Hills.

Essay Topic 3

In the time setting of GOOD-BYE COLUMBUS it is the 1950s when unmarried pregnant girls were pariahs but the boys involved were overlooked as boys just being boys. Write a paper on how you think the story of Neil and Brenda would be different today.

(see the answer keys)

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