View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What must Russell sometimes walk past in the downstairs parlor?

2. Who is Russell's English teacher in his third year of high school?

3. What is Herb's only vice?

4. After running away from the orphanage, where did Mimi find work?

5. What does Karen, his girlfriend, do for work?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Russell sent to the principle's office at his new school?

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

3. What is odd about the family's new Baltimore home?

4. Where does Russell work in his final year of high school?

5. What happens on Russell and Mimi's date to Washington?

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

7. What class at school is torture for Russell, and why?

8. What is the first Civil Rights demonstration Russell sees in his life?

9. Why is Russell denied membership to his high school honor's society?

10. What is Russell's writing success in Mr. Fleagle's class?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Create a character profile of Uncle Harold. Include:

1) What is his background?

2) How does he know Russell?

3) What do Harold and Russell have in common?

4) Discuss Harold's relationship with Doris.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

In the work, Russell states that talk was the pastime of the Depression. How is this illustrated in the novel? What memories does Russell have of those times? Does Russell realize that the family is poor, or is he completely oblivious? How does the home in Belleville with Aunt Pat, Uncle Allen, etc. illustrate this point?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 561 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample