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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. Why does David Applelow want to impress Ms. Samuel when he first meets her?

2. At the end of "The Rest of It," why does Roddy want to avoid Mike?

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

4. In "The Rest of It," what does Roddy's ex-wife advise Roddy to do?

5. Who travels to Ireland in "The Rest of It"?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does David learn about Zach when he takes him out to lunch in "Futures"?

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

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

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

5. What does David learn about the job he is interviewing for in "Futures"?

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

7. Why does Will threaten to kill himself in "The Suicide Room"?

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Consider the collection as a whole. Is there an overall theme that runs through each story? Define and analyze this theme. What does the author convey about this theme after reading every story?

Essay Topic 3

None of the romantic relationships in this collection are successful. Choose at least three romantic relationships to assess. What makes them failures? What message does the author convey with these relationships? What themes are constructed through these failed relationships?

(see the answer keys)

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