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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. Where does Neil find Mr. Patimkin's business?

2. What causes a commotion downstairs while Neil is unpacking for the weekend?

3. What does Mrs. Patimkin tell Brenda she should do?

4. what effect does the song have on Ron?

5. How long does the reception go on?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Brenda express her contempt for Harriet?

2. Describe the strange scene when Ron invites Neil into his room to hear his recording.

3. What does Brenda show Neil behind a door in his room he thought was a closet?

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

5. What is the situation behind the argument over the diaphragm?

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

7. What are Aunt Gladys' two main concerns when Neil calls to say his vacation is extended to Labor Day?

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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 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.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 706 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample