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

2. How many children did Ida Rebecca have?

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

4. What superstitions does Ida Rebecca believe, but Lucy Elizabeth does not?

5. Which long-lost uncle begins to send Lucy Elizabeth support money?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who is Oluf?

2. What is ironic about Russell's first appearance in print?

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

4. What is Lucy Elizabeth's greatest wish for Russell, and how does she help him strive for his goals?

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

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

7. In Belleville, what does Aunt Pat do to protest the landlady's Herbert Hoover poster?

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

9. What ghost did Ida Rebecca once claim to see?

10. When does Russell decide to become a writer?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Though the novel is written by Russell, Lucy plays a huge role throughout the work. Who do you think is the novel's main character, Russell or Lucy? Be sure to examine the story's plot and style before coming to a decision. Be prepared to support your answer with textually based arguments.

Essay Topic 2

Examine Russell's relationship with Mimi. How did the two meet? When does Russell fall in love with her? Is he clear about when she falls in love with him? What is the central problem in their relationship? Discuss both sides of the "marriage argument:" why won't Russell marry her? How much influence does Lucy have over his opinions about marriage? What is the end result?

Essay Topic 3

Part of growing up is testing boundaries. How does Russell begin to test his boundaries with Lucy? How old is he? How old is she? Even as a child, how much does Russell understand about being punished by Lucy? Why does she decide to punish him in such a way? Who is more upset by Russell's punishments--Russell or Lucy? Why does Russell refuse to cry? Use these leading questions to create a profile of young Russell, battling against Lucy's determination that he will make something of himself.

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