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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 Robbie's grandfather say he and his wife would have had to have been in order to make any change pre-election?

2. What "crude metaphor" (4) does Robbie's grandfather use to describe the president's behavior?

3. What does Robbie's grandfather say he hopes Robbie will become one day?

4. How does Robbie's grandfather describe the person responsible for disrupting "something so noble and time-tested and seemingly strong" (4)?

5. What does Robbie's grandfather "advise" and "implore"(5) him to do regarding J.?

Short Essay Questions

1. In the end, what does Robbie's grandfather "advise" and "implore" (5) Robbie to do regarding J.? Why?

2. What language does Robbie's grandfather use to describe the president, particularly when explaining why he did not think things could go so far?

3. What were Robbie's grandparents doing nightly while the TV news blared in the other room pre and post election?

4. What does Robbie's grandfather say is easier to do when reading history books?

5. What happened in the dream Robbie's grandfather had the night before writing the letter?

6. Why would it have been fruitless for Robbie's grandfather to "harangue the officials" (5) in Waterville?

7. What does Robbie's grandfather admit he regrets during the "critical period" (4) before the election?

8. What realization does Robbie's grandfather have at the end of his letter, which he knows must make the situation that much harder for Robbie?

9. Why does Robbie's grandfather say the system was like oxygen to them?

10. What household and medical bills were Robbie's grandparents incurring during what he calls the "critical period" (4)?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Choose a character and discuss their role in creating conflict in the story.

Essay Topic 2

Pick a character from the story and discuss their goals and motives.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay exploring G., M., and J. Who are they? Why are they significant to the story?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 655 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample