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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 girl does Russell idolize on his paper route?

2. What, theoretically, will Russell's advanced courses in high school allow him to do?

3. With what military branch did Uncle Harold serve?

4. Where is Russell sent when Germany surrenders?

5. What is Herb's only vice?

Short Essay Questions

1. After Belleville, where does the family move?

2. How successful is Hal's lumber company?

3. When Germany surrenders, where is Russell sent to await orders?

4. What part of adult life is Russell missing, according to his assessment of his friends?

5. What does Lucy purchase for Russell as a mark of adolescence?

6. Who is Mary Leslie?

7. After what event does Russell apply for the Navy?

8. What school accepts Russell?

9. After failing one flight examination, how does Russell pass the next one with "Total Loss" Smith?

10. How does Charlie Sussman help Russell go to college?

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

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?

(see the answer keys)

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