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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why does Jake want Frank to answer people's questions about the incident with Emil instead of answering himself?
(a) Because he cannot stop crying.
(b) Because he still does not feel well.
(c) Because he is so shaken by the incident that he does not know what to say.
(d) Because he is worried he will stutter.

2. Who touches Lise and sends her into a screaming fit after Emil attempted suicide?
(a) Nathan.
(b) One of the policemen who arrive at the scene.
(c) Frank.
(d) One of the firemen who arrive at the scene.

3. What is the name that some people in town call Jake and that Frank calls him as well when he is angry?
(a) Charlie McCarthy.
(b) Lash LaRue.
(c) Mister Greenjeans.
(d) Howdy Doody.

4. What reason does Julie give for saying Emil's suicide attempt is fortunate?
(a) Because Lise will have to move into an assisted care home and get the care she needs.
(b) Because Ariel and Karl still have each other around for comfort.
(c) Because Emil's attempt allows Ruth to feel like a savior.
(d) Because Emil will get the psychological help he obviously needs.

5. Who finally convinces Lise to leave Emil's side at the hospital so Emil can be alone and get some much-needed rest?
(a) Jake.
(b) Nathan.
(c) Ruth.
(d) Frank.

6. Why is Frank surprised when Officer Doyle asks him how he thinks the Minnesota Twins will do this year?
(a) Because Frank hates baseball.
(b) Because he knows Officer Doyle hates sports.
(c) Because the baseball season is over for the year.
(d) Because adults rarely ask his opinion.

7. What method does Emil use to attempt suicide?
(a) An overdose of sleeping pills.
(b) An overdose of pain medication.
(c) Hanging.
(d) An overdose of aspirin.

8. What physical imperfection does Ariel exhibit?
(a) She has a scar from a cleft lip surgery.
(b) She has a port wine stain across the right side of her face.
(c) She has 4 fingers on her right hand.
(d) She walks with a slight limp.

9. Where is the private hospital located where Emil goes to recuperate?
(a) Minnetonka.
(b) Orlando.
(c) The Twin Cities.
(d) Minneapolis.

10. What does Frank say is intended to be the highlight of the Independence Day celebration in Luther Park?
(a) The performance of a play written by Karl.
(b) The chorale that Ariel had composed.
(c) The singing of the national anthem by Ruth.
(d) A piano concerto performed by Emil.

11. Whose conversation does Frank overhear when he is hiding behind the stage at the theater?
(a) Jake's and Ariel's.
(b) Nathan's and Gus'.
(c) Ruth's and Nathan's.
(d) Ruth's and Emil's.

12. What two queries does Frank make of Karl during the ride in the Triumph?
(a) He asks if Karl wants Ariel to attend Juilliard and what it is like to act in a play.
(b) He asks whether Karl wants to go to Hollywood someday and whether he wants to be a celebrity or not.
(c) He asks if Karl loves his mother and if he thinks she will make a good mother-in-law for Ariel.
(d) He asks if Karl loves Ariel and if he intends to marry her.

13. When the family is leaving for Bobby Cole's funeral, where does Frank go when he tells Jake to stay at home for a minute?
(a) He goes to tell Ariel that her boyfriend Karl has decided not to go to the funeral.
(b) He goes under the porch to pray for Bobby's soul.
(c) He goes next door in hopes of seeing Edna Sweeney doing yard work while scantily clad.
(d) He goes to take one last look at the railroad tracks where Bobby had been killed.

14. How old is Bobby when he is killed?
(a) 22.
(b) 18.
(c) 8.
(d) 13.

15. Why is the old stone quarry the boys' usual choice of swimming site when there are three possibilities in town?
(a) Because the public pool costs money and the country club is full of snobs.
(b) Because the quarry is the only swimming site with nice scenery.
(c) Because the country club requires membership and the public pool is too crowded.
(d) Because the creek is generally dried up this time of year and the public pool costs money.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why is the new Bremen bank a source of fascination for Frank?

2. What two words does Emil keep repeating once he returns home from the private hospital?

3. Though there is little furniture in Lise and Emil's home, what object is a prominent feature in every room?

4. What school is Ariel planning to attend after high school?

5. How do Jake and Frank feel about their sister Ariel?

(see the answer keys)

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