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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 Neil think that shows he is infatuated with Brenda?

2. While Neil and the boy are looking at the art book, what is Neil seeing?

3. What does Neil explain to the boy?

4. How often is Neil seeing Brenda now?

5. When Neil says the Patimkins do not live over their store, what does Aunt Gladys say?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How does the reader know that Neil is restless and bored babysitting Julie?

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

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

5. Tell how the relationship has developed between Neil and the boy who comes to look at the Gauguin book.

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

7. What does Neil tell Brenda about his family?

8. Discuss the competitive nature of Brenda.

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain whether you agree that Ron's behavior indicates that he is immature and not ready to become a husband and father. Give examples from passages in the book.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

A tennis player who became famous about the time Mrs. Patimkin was a state champion was a woman who came to be called Gorgeous Gussie Moran. Look up information on her and write a few paragraphs on her impact on women's tennis and what you think Mrs. Patimkin might have thought of her.

(see the answer keys)

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