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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 does Vince presume would happen to the money he gave Jack?

2. Why did Jack want to buy Ray's camper van?

3. What made June's home look like an institution?

4. Who did Amy love to watch camping out in the nearby fields?

5. What does Ray do instead of telling Jack about the bet?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Vince regret doing to his daughter Kathy?

2. Why did Ray refuse to sell Jack his camper van?

3. What did Vince think about when he heard that Jack was dying?

4. How do the characters cope climbing up the hill?

5. What did Jack ask Ray to do for him?

6. Why did Amy decide not to tell Jack about her affair with Ray?

7. How did Mandy meet Vince?

8. How do the friends spread Jack's ashes?

9. Why does Ray think insurance is similar to gambling?

10. What problems has Lenny had with his daughter Sally?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Examine the novel's chronological setting.

1) What were the main concerns during the 1980s? How does Swift express these concerns?

2) How would Swift have to change the novel if it was set in today's society?

Essay Topic 2

Identify the main themes of the story. In what way are these themes relevant to the time period? How does Swift use character and setting to express these themes?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss how Ray's divorce affected one of the following areas in his life:

1) Work.

2) Social life.

3) Intimate relationships.

4) Family.

(see the answer keys)

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