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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 happens when Julie loses the game?

2. What is the small boy who was outside growling at the lions asking for when he says he wants to see heart books?

3. What is the main difference between Neil and Brenda?

4. What request does Brenda make to her father?

5. What do Aunt Gladys and Mrs. Patimkin have in common that is different from Neil?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the action between Neil and Brenda on the second day at the pool.

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

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

4. What is learned about Mrs. Patimkin from the conversation Neil and Brenda have outside under a tree?

5. What rather strange job is given Neil the evening after the dinner?

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

7. Why is Neil not conscious of class distinctions?

8. How does Neil see Mr. Patimkin when he meets him at dinner?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write a paper about world travel as a good education. Refer to Neil's being comfortable around all social classes of people as an example.

Essay Topic 2

Write a paper about a Jewish wedding ceremony. For those who are not Jewish, there is plenty of material to research. Write specifically about the symbolism that takes place during the ceremony.

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)

This section contains 746 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample