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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. Who does Sammy borrow a saw from, to cut off the head of a mop?

2. What causes Sammy to lose his confidence on his first blind bus ride?

3. On what day does Sammy receive his unemployment benefits?

4. After making a doctor's appointment, why does Sammy want to go to a pub for lunch?

5. How did Sammy spend his weekend, prior to the run-in with the police?

Short Essay Questions

1. After losing his vision, how does Sammy spend his unemployment check once he finally acquires it?

2. On Saturday night, someone knocks on Sammy's door. How does he react?

3. How did Sammy get involved in a life of crime?

4. What steps does Sammy take to mentally cope with his blindness?

5. How does Sammy survive financially?

6. How might Sammy's blindness interfere with the leisure activities he enjoys?

7. Other than Helen's safety, why is Sammy worried that Helen isn't home?

8. When meeting with the second interviewer, what does Sammy choose to do when he gets frustrated with the system?

9. What is Sammy's physical condition when he wakes up in his cell for the first time?

10. Sammy suspects what has caused him to lose his eyesight?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Sammy has a rich fantasy life. Choosing from one of the following fantasies, write an essay comparing and contrasting the fantasy versus the reality of Sammy's life.

1) Opening a pub with Helen.

2) Living in a seaside town.

3) Living a traditional life.

Essay Topic 2

Fear plays a major role in "How Late it Was, How Late". Examine Sammy's relationship with fear, citing specific examples from the text.

Essay Topic 3

Analyze the relationship between Sammy and his former family.

1) Describe Sammy's ex-wife.

2) Describe his son, Peter, and his feelings for him.

3) Analyze why the relationship ended.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 577 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample