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This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What advice does Memo give Roy to assuage his depression?

2. What happens after Roy makes an important decision during the last inning of the pennant game?

3. What ultimately brings about Roy's failure?

4. What is Roy's reaction after he finally reads Iris's letter?

5. What reason does Roy give for not wanting to talk about his past?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There is a tremendous amount of symbolism in Malamud's novel. Discuss two forms of symbolism and show how they develop the theme over the course of the novel. Answer the question of why Malamud might have chosen that symbol over other possible ones and whether he was effective in developing the theme. Give examples from the novel to support your ideas.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss The Natural as a novel of magical realism. Magical realism is when a realistic novel contains issues that are stranger than life, unreal, or appearing magical. What purpose do instances of magical realism appear to serve in this novel? Give examples from the novel.

Essay Topic 3

Iris tells Hobbs that everyone has two lives to live. What are the two lives revealed in the novel? Illustrate your answer with examples from the novel.

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This section contains 363 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample