View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Where are Will's friends while he walks around the dorm on a ledge in "The Suicide Room"?

2. What does David Applelow suggest Zach do while they are out to eat in "Futures"?

3. Who suggests that Mike should write a book about his life in "The Rest of It"?

4. What does David Applelow realize about himself while dining at the Greek restaurant with Zach?

5. In "Futures," why is David Applelow unemployed?

Short Essay Questions

1. In "The Rest of It," why does Roddy enjoy talking to Mike?

2. In "The Rest of It," how does Roddy know Mike?

3. In "Futures," why does David Applelow respond to the ad in the newspaper?

4. What does Roddy do when his co-worker is in Ireland in "The Rest of It"?

5. How do the main characters of "The Suicide Room" know each other?

6. How does Roddy react to speaking with his ex-wife in "The Rest of It"?

7. What happens when Will walks along the ledge of the dorm building in "The Suicide Room"?

8. What does Marnie tell David in "Futures" when she gives him her key?

9. What stories do the main characters tell in the beginning of "The Suicide Room"?

10. Why is David irritated with Zach when they go to apply for jobs in "Futures"?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Most of the stories in this collection are centered on male characters and male concerns. How does this focus affect the definitions of gender within the text? What role/roles is/are assigned to women? What commentary on gender appears throughout this collection?

Essay Topic 2

Analyze the author's use of symbolism throughout this collection. Possibilities to consider are: the basement, money, cars, the plane, colors and clothing.

Essay Topic 3

Analyze the use of dialogue in these stories to develop the plot, characters and themes. In what ways is the use of dialogue strong? In what ways is it weak? How does the author's style of dialogue affect the reader's understanding of the story and themes?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 878 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample