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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 animal startles David one evening as is lying down?

2. What does David tell the woman in town that she must do with her child?

3. What do the couple give to David for his assistance?

4. What does David struggle with as he debates about going back to the woman in town?

5. What does David decide at the end of Chapter One?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe how David saves Maria from the fire.

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

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

4. Describe David's response to his new surroundings, and why they are so powerful.

5. Why does David force himself not to think?

6. Explain why David doesn't believe he would be good at playing.

7. Describe how David is able to keep going long after he has stopped caring.

8. Explain David's reaction to the baby.

9. Describe the scene with the man who loses his glasses. What does David do, what is the couple's response, and why is it disturbing for David?

10. Why do the people in town eventually wish to catch David?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

In the novel, the word King symbolizes freedom and free will to David, as he knows that countries that have kings are not under the control of "them". Later in the novel, when he is in his darkest hour, he is befriended by a dog, who he names "King". Describe how the dog's final actions in the novel affirm the concept that the word "king" symbolizes both free will and freedom.

Essay Topic 3

The author often uses strong depictions of the landscape David moves through both to indicate position as well as to provide David with uplifting moments in his journey. Choose a scene in which David is in awe and wonder about his surroundings, and analyze that scene. Why is David so enthralled? What type of environment is he used to? How does the author use David's surroundings to uplift his character, at times?

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