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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. Who does Conrad call second when he gets home from his finals?

2. Where do Cal and Beth travel to in chapter 24?

3. What does Conrad feel responsible for?

4. What is Beth doing while Cal talks to Conrad about his fight?

5. Who sends Conrad home after they find him walking the streets at night?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Conrad feel after his date with Jeanine?

2. Why is Jeanine upset about her mom's guest?

3. Why doesn't Beth say goodbye to Conrad when she leaves?

4. What does Karen's death force Conrad to do?

5. Why does Conrad feel vulnerable after Karen's suicide?

6. Describe the progression of Jeanine and Conrad's relationship to chapter 30.

7. What are Cal's hopes for his vacation with Beth in Texas?

8. What do Conrad and Jeanine believe is the reason they got better?

9. Why is Cal surprised that Ray knows about his family's problems?

10. What is Conrad's reaction to Beth's behavior at dinner in chapter 29?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Throughout the novel, the focal point changes back and forth from Conrad to Cal. Why does Judith Guest switch back and forth between the two characters? Is this an effective technique used to tell the story?

Essay Topic 2

Many of the characters in "Ordinary People" feel guilty. For example, Conrad feels guilty over the death of his brother, Jordan. How is guilt one of the major themes in the novel? What characters experience guilt and why?

Essay Topic 3

Many of the events in "Ordinary People" are realistic, such as Conrad's reaction to Karen's death. What other elements of the novel are realistic? Analyze the realism in the novel and explain whether it is effective as a literary technique.

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