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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. When Dominick was a child, someone locked a ____________ in a firebox and it died in terror, which makes Dominick terrified.

2. Who decides to sit with Thomas after his scary incident, even though it means this other person can't do anything?

3. Who does Dominick believe is simply weighing him down in his life, causing him to be stuck?

4. Thomas, as a child, wanted to save up his money in order to buy Ma a ___________, but Dominick beat him to it.

5. Who does Ma decide is responsible for delivering her and her sons to safety after they encounter the crazy man?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the long range goal of Patel when she is working with Thomas, a goal she tells Dominick about?

2. Who tries to assure Dominick that Thomas is fine at the place where he is recovering?

3. What does Ma forbid the boys from telling their stepfather when they are coming back from the movie theater?

4. What is the news about the case that Dominick learns when he is talking with Patel and listening to Thomas' tapes?

5. What is happening when Dominick goes through the motions of having sex with his girlfriend, Joy?

6. To what does Dominick attribute the meanness of Ray towards Thomas when he is arguing with Joy?

7. What are the guidelines for Dominick being able to visit Thomas when he is at the center?

8. Why does Dell decide to lower the price of the used car that he is trying to sell to Leo, in this story?

9. What do the two boys think about when their mother takes them to a movie in 1958 and both boys are bored?

10. When does Dominick next see Penny's twin brother after Penny's death, in this story?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Dominick can not return the 'I love you' from Thomas until after Thomas is asleep.

Part 1: Why do you think it's difficult for Dominick to say he loves his brother?

Part 2: Do you find it difficult to tell your siblings you love them?

Part 3: Do you think that Thomas knows his brother loves him? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Dominick feels that by recalling the past, he might yet be able to forgive himself for what has happened.

Part 1: Why do you think recalling the past might be helpful?

Part 2: Do you think you need to remember your past in order to forgive yourself?

Part 3: How might you forgive yourself for something bad you have done in the past?

Essay Topic 3

The memoir of Papa is revealing and scary and altering for Dominick as he reads is.

Part 1: Why do you think the memoir has been kept a secret for so long?

Part 2: Do you think reading a memoir about your parents might change your life?

Part 3: How do you think you might change your actions if you read a memoir of your parents?

(see the answer keys)

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