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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. Life is just a cosmic _________, according to Dominick, a chair yanked away from a table when you're ready to sit down.

2. Who is always noting the different venial and mortal sins which causes Dominick to worry about his future?

3. Sheffer tries to bond with Dominick, comparing him to the literary figure _______________.

4. When Thomas is taken for mental health care, he is told that he will be there for __________ days for observation.

5. Ma warns the twins not to gawk or to talk about anyone with ___________, though they seem to be everywhere.

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What does Dominick regret about the summer of 1969 when he is talking with Thomas about sex and marijuana?

3. What is Dominick torn between when he is in Ma and Ray's room, with a mind that is being sparked by memories?

4. What does Dominick grow impatient with when he is talking with his brother a day before the amputation?

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

6. What does Patel think Dominick needs to do in order to relieve his anger and feel better?

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The story includes a number of flashbacks about the life of the brothers as they were growing up.

Part 1: Why do you think the author felt it was necessary to include flashbacks?

Part 2: Do you agree that the flashbacks help the story come to life for the reader?

Part 3: How do you think the story might have changed if the reader doesn't find out anything about the history of the brothers?

Essay Topic 2

The relationship between Dominick and Thomas is a loving one, though perhaps not in the conventional way.

Part 1: Why do you think Dominick continues to care for his brother?

Part 2: Do you think that you could stand by your brother if he had as many problems as Thomas does?

Part 3: How do you think Dominick could be handling his brother better in the story?

Essay Topic 3

The choice that Thomas makes in order to protest the war for himself is a drastic one.

Part 1: Why do you think Thomas makes the choice he does in order to protest the war?

Part 2: What might you have done if you didn't want anyone to fight in a war anymore?

Part 3: Do you think there are other people like Thomas in the military today?

(see the answer keys)

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