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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 Kate take the pills?

2. Who does John flirt with?

3. How does Sam entertain the family?

4. What do prescription drugs do for Kate?

5. What settles once Kate leaves?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does John reveal to Aunt Emily?

2. What does the reader learn about Aunt Emily?

3. Who does John decide to call after he is done speaking with his aunt on the phone?

4. What is Kate's test after Lonnie dies?

5. How does Kate react to the test?

6. What does John introduce Kate as at the end of his chapter?

7. Why doesn't Kate like Harold's wife?

8. Why is Kate so happy in Chicago?

9. What does Aunt Emily ask of John?

10. How does the epilogue begin?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

John's longing for a deep and close relationship with a woman is constantly explored throughout the book:

1. Who does John attempt to create relationships? Why does he choose these types of women to go after?

2. How does John's relationship with Aunt Emily, his mother, and Kate, hinder his ability to create healthy relationships with other women?

3. How does John's relationship with movies and being a moviegoer stop him from building relationships.

Essay Topic 2

1. Freedom is another central theme of the novel. Both John and Kate struggle to find their own independence in different ways. How are John and Kate's searches for independence similar?

2. Describe how John's assertion of manhood and determination to create a relationship with Kate, leads to Kate's oppression.

3. Is this John or Kate's fault?

Essay Topic 3

Everyone in the book is very nervous that John will "end up like his father." What are some qualities that John's family members do not want him to inherit from his father?

How could Aunt Emily have made John' life choice easier? Could she have supported his search but also asked him to take more responsibility for his life?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 653 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample