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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. What does Russell's mother think is a major character flaw of his?

2. What, according to the author, was the great Depression pastime?

3. Who doesn't Uncle Hal get along with in the house?

4. What small present has Benjamin bought for Doris?

5. What year did Ida Rebecca die?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who is Oluf?

2. What is "powwowing"?

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

4. Why has Uncle Charlie chosen never to leave the house?

5. What is Russell's earliest memory?

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

7. What has happened to Russell's mother?

8. When does Russell decide to become a writer?

9. Since he is unable to talk with his ailing mother, what does Russell realize about the past?

10. Who finally bought Uncle Etch's glass coffin?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Reexamine Chapter 3. Lucy comes of age in a turbulent time. Between what two personal and political ideas is she torn? How does this split manifest itself in her life, according to Russell's account? Provide at least three examples from the text. How has her upbringing contributed to these views?

(see the answer keys)

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