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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. How often does the Comanche Club meet?

2. Who tries to kill the Laughing Man?

3. How much does Ginnie say Selena owes her?

4. Who is Eric?

5. Who talks to Dr. Sivetski about Seymour's condition?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is wrong physically with Ramona?

2. Why are Mary Jane and Eloise good friends for each other?

3. What clues is the reader given that Franklin is bitter about Joan?

4. Why can the reader sympathize with Eloise more than envy her?

5. Why does Ginnie suddenly forgive Selena's debt?

6. Why does Ginnie think Selena's brother looks goofy?

7. What does Franklin do to make Ginnie look at him in a positive light?

8. Who is the Chief?

9. Why aren't there any men 'seen' in the story, Uncle Wiggily in Connecticut?

10. What can the reader like about a character like Muriel?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Compare and contrast your favorite story from Nine Stories to your least favorite story. Explain what you like and dislike from each story. Use specific examples from the book.

Essay Topic 2

Being a meditating child genius that is unaffected by emotion, Teddy is one of the more unique characters in the collection. Explore and analyze Teddy as a character. How does his age affect the story? How do you feel about his lack of emotion on any topic? What makes Teddy so different from the other characters Salinger creates in the collection?

Essay Topic 3

How is dark comedy used in this collection? What does it add to the collection? How does it affect the reader? Why is dark humor used to discuss topics that are normally taboo? Why is dark humor needed to talk about topics that are normally taboo?

(see the answer keys)

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