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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 was Russell enrolled in a gymnastics program?

2. When Russell was a young boy, what famous President's time could many of the old men remember (from first-hand accounts)?

3. What happens to Russell while trying to play on his first day in Newark?

4. To whom did Lucy Elizabeth give up Audrey?

5. When does Russell's mother decide he should be a writer?

Short Essay Questions

1. Where has Russell and his family gone to celebrate the hog-butchering season?

2. What has happened to Russell's mother?

3. What did Lucy Elizabeth feel was her greatest failure with Benjamin?

4. What is the cause of Benny's death?

5. Who is Aunt Pat and why is Russell fond of her?

6. Why don't Hal and Charlie get along?

7. How does Lucy Elizabeth meet Benjamin?

8. How does Lucy punish Russell when he misbehaves?

9. What are Russell's memories of the women's work in Morrisonville?

10. To whom does Lucy "give up" Audrey?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Reexamine Chapter 9. How could the Dickens quote "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times" be applicable to the family's life? Be sure to think about:

1) Money

2) Home

3) Happiness

4) Work

Essay Topic 2

Russell talks of rough-and-tumble fights, both in Belleville and in Baltimore. What is the difference between the two places? How does Russell fight off bullies in Belleville? How does Russell fight off bullies in Baltimore? Does Russell enjoy fighting or not? What does he learn from both Walter and Pete?

Essay Topic 3

In Chapters 1 and 2, Russell questions the disconnect between parents and children by comparing his children to himself as a child.

1) Do you think such a disconnect exists? Why or why not?

2) Explain your answer using examples from the text.

3) What did Russell learn about his parents later in life? How could the new information help inform his writing process?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 633 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample