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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. Whom do the Meechams have to wait on Christmas Eve?

2. Who tells Lillian about Bull's plane crash?

3. How does Bull see God?

4. Who is Rock Troy?

5. What song does Bull come home singing after Mess Night?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who instructs the male students on sex during catechism? Why?

2. Ben teases Mary Anne about how much he will miss her when he goes to college. What does this say about their relationship?

3. Who is Junior Palmer?

4. What is Ben's biggest fear as he tries out for basketball?

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

6. How does being Jewish affect Sammy?

7. Why does Bull restrict what Ben can eat on game day?

8. Why is Arrabelle frightened for Toomer in the aftermath of the rape?

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

10. How is Mr. Loring different from the teachers Ben is used to? How does Ben feel about Mr. Loring?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Why does Lillian never leave Bull? Does Lillian love Bull? Does Lillian condone Bull's behavior toward her and the children? Is Lillian an abused wife? List some examples of this abuse. Is Bull abusive toward the children? Why does Lillian not do more to protect her children? What does this say about Lillian's personality?

Essay Topic 2

Who is Red Pettus? Why is Red cruel to others? Who does Red chose to pick on? Why? Does Red pick on Ben? Why or why not?

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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