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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 Papa's daughter tell him to do instead of just using poultices to help himself fight colds?

2. Dominick notes that it is an interesting coincidence that Papa worked with a ______________ one summer as did the twins.

3. Patel wants to find out more about why Dominick continues to use the word __________ to describe the process of therapy.

4. Who does Ignazia move in with downstairs during this part of the story?

5. Papa is told that he will work alone and that he will have to work twice as hard, so he does and becomes a __________.

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the surprise that Dominick finds when he returns home on the eve of Thomas' hearing?

2. Why is Vincenzo killed after Papa decides to disown him instead of shaming him?

3. Who is revealed as being Dominick's father when Ray breaks his promise to Ma and tells Dominick?

4. What does Papa do since he can not trust Prosperine to not poison him as they are living together?

5. What does Dominick see when he climbs to the third story in order to paint the Roods' house anyway?

6. What happens to tear out Dominick's stitches during the time that Dominick was supposed to paint the Rood's house?

7. What story has Dominick been reading when he comes into Patel's office for a new appointment?

8. Where is Ignazia finally found after she leaves and the dog has been poisoned after her departure?

9. What does Pasquale do which makes Papa so upset that he begins to weep for Pasquale?

10. How did Dominick get Thomas in trouble when they were kids and they were in mass with Ray and Ma?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Throughout the book, there are several myths brought in, including Shiva, the god of destruction.

Part 1: Why do you think these myths and stories are brought into the book?

Part 2: How does Shiva apply to the situation with Thomas and Dominick?

Part 3: Are there any other mythologies or stories which you think might apply to 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 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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