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

Short Answer Questions

1. Who does Roy see in the stands while playing a game in Chicago?

2. Who does Roy think is trying to throw the game because he plays so poorly?

3. Why does the lady tell Roy she stood up in the stands?

4. Why does Roy decide Iris Lemon is not the girl he wants?

5. What happens to Roy after he leaves Iris and returns to Memo?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Heroism is a recurring theme throughout the novel. We are never given a direct definition of a hero, but are shown what one is and isn't, mostly what one isn't. Using the examples from the book, write a detailed definition of hero as Malamud might have written it. Include examples from the book to support your definition. After defining how Malamud might define a hero, briefly discuss how you would define it. How does it compare/contrast with Malamud's views?

Essay Topic 3

There are many themes developed in this novel. Discuss one of them and show how they are developed through the novel. Explain what Malamud is trying to tell the reader about that theme.

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This section contains 367 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample