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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 direction does Joe face in his third year in the hospital?

2. Why doesn't Joe see Laurette after graduation?

3. To whom does Joe compare himself?

4. What does Joe believe he must do now?

5. How does Joe think he can count sunrises?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Joe think he's in England?

2. Why does Bonham lose track of everything and what does he do?

3. How does the prostitute that Joe thinks he loves handle the situation?

4. What does the day nurse do with Joe?

5. What happens to Joe in his third year in the hospital?

6. Describe Bonnie Flannigan and what does she tell Joe?

7. What is Bonham's initial thought when asked what he wants and why do you think this is so?

8. What does the nurse think Joe wants at first when Joe starts tapping?

9. What does Joe think is the key to knowing time and how does he plan to use the key?

10. Describe the process of the new nurse attempting to communicate with Joe.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Imagery and symbols play a large role in this story. Discuss one of the following:

1. Choose one recurring image or symbol and analyze it and show how it relates to two major themes.

2. Discuss why you think that someone in Joe's situation would include much imagery in his thought processes.

3. Why do you think any author uses images and symbols rather than clearly expressing an idea? Give examples to support your stance.

Essay Topic 2

For a few brief moments at the end of the book before Joe is sedated, he is able to communicate his desire to have a purpose. Discuss the following:

1. What does Joe offer to do? Is this a wise thing to suggest?

2. What is the response to Joe's offer? Why?

3. Why is having a sense of purpose so important to Joe?

4. Do you think Joe will re-think what he offers given the response and try to communicate again? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

One of the obvious themes in this book is that of helplessness. Obviously, in Joe's condition, he is totally helpless in a way that most cannot even imagine. Discuss one of the following:

1. Trace and analyze the theme of helplessness throughout the book, using examples from the text.

2. The opposite of helplessness is power--personal power in this case. Compare and contrast the theme of helplessness to the theme of personal power as it appears in the book.

3. How do you think you might be able to gain personal power in a situation such as Joe's? Is there a situation in your life in which you feel helpless? How can you gain some personal power in that situation?

(see the answer keys)

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