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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 chase Julie upstairs?

2. What surprise does Brenda have in store for Neil?

3. Where does Mrs. Patimkin send Neil?

4. How do Brenda and Neil begin to talk about their relationship?

5. What happens with Brenda's father at the reception?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is it like when Neil and Brenda finally meet up in New York?

2. How does Neil view family members on both sides of the bridal couple?

3. What is Neil's mood the fall after Brenda returns to school?

4. What key event happens in Ron's room?

5. Is there something shallow about the discussion of religion between Mrs. Patimkin and Neil? Explain.

6. What is the somber occasion between Neil and Brenda the day after the wedding?

7. What is missing at the library now?

8. How does Mrs. Patimkin again use Neil as sort of a servant?

9. How does Brenda suggest she make an athlete out of Neil?

10. Describe the domestic scene between Brenda and Neil the following morning.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How well do you think Roth depicts Mrs. Patimkin? Is she three dimensional in the book? Why is her first name never mentioned?

Essay Topic 2

Does Philip Roth imply that Brenda was just like Julie when she was that age? Give specific reasons for your opinion from Brenda's behavior as a young woman.

Essay Topic 3

Analyze Aunt Gladys in a paper that discusses her attitude toward the Patimkins who no longer live above their store. Explain whether you think she might have a different perspective if Uncle Max had become wealthy like Mr. Patimkin.

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