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

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Pop say in Chapter 10 that makes Roy's decision even harder?

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

3. After Roy gets sick, what does he dream about?

4. When Roy goes to see Memo at her motel room on the night before the pennant game, who is there with her?

5. What does Roy hope to gain by becoming a superhero, the best ball player ever?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There are several issues related to responsibility and moral integrity that Roy must face. Discuss them fully, supporting your ideas from the text.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Age is a recurring theme in The Natural. Discuss how age enters into both the story and into the probable author's purpose. Use examples from the novel to prove your point. Include how Roy is alike/different at age fifteen and thirty-four.

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This section contains 332 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample