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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 is Lene's boyfriend's name?

2. Who picks Clay up from the airport?

3. What memories does Clay have of Julian after Clay agrees to loan Julian the money?

4. What is Clay's father's profession?

5. Where does Clay have lunch with his father?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Clay visit Muriel? What happens during his visit with Muriel? What happens after his visit with Muriel?

2. What information does Clay share with Trent while they are at Spago for appetizers and drinks?

3. How was the house when Clay arrived home? Who was home to greet him?

4. Describe Clay's experience with his father at Trumps.

5. Describe Julian's reaction to Clay bringing the money to his house.

6. What does Clay remember about his last Christmas in Palm Springs? How does he spend Christmas while at home from school?

7. Why does Trent call Clay? What do Trent and Clay end up doing after they meet up with each other?

8. What does Clay do once he is settled in at home?

9. What does Clay do on New Year's Eve night? Who does he spend it with? What happens?

10. Where does Clay go after the party in Part 2? Why does he not go straight home?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Clay's relationship with Julian seems to be the most important throughout the novel. How does the author relay the importance of their relationship throughout the novel? Why does Julian's relationship with Clay seem significant even though Julian is absent for much of the novel? Why is it necessary to take into consideration that the significance of Clay and Julian's relationship is told from Clay's point of view? Please use specific examples from the book.

Essay Topic 2

Why does the author choose to tell the story through the point of view of the protagonist? Why does he not tell the story through the point of view of a narrator, who sees all? How would this story change if was told through third person? Please use specific examples from the book.

Essay Topic 3

"Death" is an important theme in the novel and Clay seems to be obsessed with it. Why is Clay obsessed with death? How does he show his obsession with death? What role does "death" play in the novel? Please use specific examples from the book.

(see the answer keys)

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