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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. When Neil finds the boy later, what is he doing?

2. What Characteristic of Mrs. Patimkin gives evidence of her more humble beginnings?

3. What does Neil notice about Mr. Patimkin?

4. How does Brenda change the subject and get Neil to stop playing?

5. What was Mrs. Patimkin's connection to sports when she was younger?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does the reader get introduced to ten-year-old Julie Patimkin?

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

3. Explain a commonality between Neil and the boy.

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

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

6. Why is Neil not conscious of class distinctions?

7. Describe Neil's family in Newark.

8. Describe the young African-American boy Neil encounters in front of the library.

9. What is the image the reader gets of Ron as he joins Neil and Brenda at the pool?

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

In GOOD-BYE COLUMBUS the question of the diaphragm had to do with unwanted pregnancies. Today there are additional concerns regarding protection. Write your opinion of how different the attitudes of Neil and Brenda might be today.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss in several paragraphs the head librarian's bigotry toward the African-American boy both in terms of racial bigotry and the attitude that boys are all inclined to lewd behavior.

Essay Topic 3

Neil once says that living with Aunt Gladys and Uncle Max is worse than living with his parents. Write a few paragraphs explaining what he might have meant by that.

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This section contains 688 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample