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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. On what street are Frank's rental properties located?

2. How many messages does Frank have when he stops to check?

3. Who is Charley O'Dell?

4. What is Frank surprised to find that Karl has at the restaurant?

5. Why do the Markhams balk at the idea of renting Frank's house?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What are Frank's thoughts about Sally as he drives toward Connecticut?

4. Describe the setting for the book.

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

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

7. What efforts have been made on Paul's behalf to help him get through this difficult period?

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

9. What things must Frank attend to before heading out of town for his trip with Paul?

10. What is Frank's "Existence Period?"

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Richard Ford is a writer from Mississippi. Can you discern any Southern attributes in his style? In his content? In his characters? Explain why or why not.

Essay Topic 2

Frank intends to speak to Paul about the Declaration of Independence and Emerson's SELF-RELIANCE during this weekend. Explain what Frank intends to glean from these documents that might be applicable for Paul. Is Frank hiding behind these documents because he truly believes them or because he cannot find his own words?

Essay Topic 3

Do you think Frank really knows what love is? Why would he ask the waitress out to dinner just minutes after telling Sally he loved her? What does love mean for Frank? Explain.

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This section contains 1,170 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample