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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. In what city does the story begin?

2. What is Frank thinking about on this morning?

3. What is Frank Bascombe's profession?

4. How does Frank know that Larry McLeod is at home?

5. What job does Frank take after Ann remarries?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the nature of Paul's troubles with the law?

2. How does Frank get into the real estate business?

3. What physical problems has Paul been experiencing during this troubled time?

4. Why does Frank offer up one of his rental properties to the Markhams?

5. What did Frank do in the period after his divorce?

6. How did Frank help Karl out of his problem at the restaurant?

7. Why are Joe and Phyllis conflicted on the Houlihan house?

8. Explain the beginning of Frank's Existence Period.

9. Describe the setting for the book.

10. Explain what Frank means by the "realty dreads"?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is Frank's relationship with Sally at the beginning of the book? What is the state of their relationship at the end of the book? Do you think Sally really loves Frank? Do you think Frank loves Sally? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

In what ways does Frank relate to Joe Markham? Do they share many of the problems and angst of most men their age? Or are they different in what they are going through? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

Project what you think will happen to Paul. Will this Independence Day weekend with Frank have had a positive impact on him? Will he be able to learn to be happy again? Explain.

(see the answer keys)

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