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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. Who tells Lillian about Bull's plane crash?

2. Who defends Ben?

3. What does Bull do to help Ben when Ben goes to save Toomer?

4. With whom does Lillian have an argument before dinner the night of the big basketball game?

5. Who fights Bull?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Bull criticize Ben's play during his first basketball game? How does Ben feel about this?

2. Why does Bull agree to have one his men beat up a man in another squadron? What does this say about Bull's character?

3. Why does Mr. Loring tease Ben in his English class? How does Ben feel about this attention?

4. What is significant about the sexual discussions in the locker room?

5. Is there a difference between loving Bull and accepting his cruel behavior?

6. Why is Ben the only one held after Sammy and Ben are arrested attempting to blackmail Junior?

7. What is the focus of Sister Loretta's discussion on sex? How does Ben react to this discussion?

8. What does Ben say to his father while taking him home after a night of drinking and fighting?

9. Bull dies a hero. How does this affect the family dynamics?

10. Who is Junior Palmer?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Why does Bull begin going to Hobie's Grill? What is significant about Bull's behavior in public compared to his behavior at home? Why is Bull different in public? What does this say about the behaviors of an abuser? How does this behavior make seeking help more difficult for the abuser's family? Is this behavior stereotypical? What other stereotypes exist in this book? List as many as you can.

Essay Topic 2

Who does Mary Anne most resemble, Lillian or Bull? Give some examples of this. Why does Mary Anne continuously attempted to goad her father? What does Mary Anne want from Bull? Why does Mary Anne talk about the future with such despair? Does Mary Anne really believe she will end up like her mother? Why? Is this why Mary Anne speaks of suicide?

Essay Topic 3

What is Ben's relationship with Bull like? What does Bull's behavior on Ben's birthday say about their relationship? What is Ben's role in the family? How is this role illustrated throughout the novel? What does this family dynamic say about the entire Meecham family?

(see the answer keys)

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