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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 the family invite David to do?

2. What does David decide makes a person smile?

3. What vehicle does David smuggle himself into in this chapter that helps him reach his destination?

4. What does David do as he rides in the vehicle?

5. How does David put out the fire in the girls hair?

Short Essay Questions

1. Explain why David refused the man's money, and why the man hid money in David's bundle.

2. Describe how David comes to own a mirror, and his reaction to his own reflection.

3. Explain why David thinks Angelo is stupid.

4. Explain what the man on the ship and the woman in the shop mean when they discuss David's eyes.

5. Why was it so important for David to clean himself so thoroughly?

6. Explain why David decides to stay with the family, when asked.

7. Why does David decide, as he runs during his escape, to stop running and instead to walk?

8. Describe how David saves Maria from the fire.

9. Explain why David is reluctant to escape, and why he does it, despite his reservations.

10. Explain how David comes to the home of Giovanni.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Throughout the novel, David makes the attempt to "win" over those around him, including the guards, and those who are cruel to him. Locate at least two of these circumstances. What is the situation? Why does David feel the need to "win" against these individuals? What does this say about David, as a person? Do you think David's actions make him petty, or righteous? Why?

Essay Topic 2

Several times in the novel, David uses water to cleanse himself of various negative events. Choose one of the following examples, and discuss, in depth, how the cleansing David performs symbolizes the cleansing of his spirit and his inner self.

• David's scrubbing after escaping the camp

• David's washing following his beating by Carlo

• David's daily washing in the house of Giovanni

Essay Topic 3

In the novel, David comes to realize he can never be a normal boy. Analyze this statement in detail. What aspects of life cause David to state this? Is he correct? Why or why not? Do you think he can ever be a normal child? Why? What in his background could prevent him from achieving any sense of normalcy? Do you think finding his mother will help? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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