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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. In what way(s) do Conrad and Jeanine grow closer in chapter 30?

2. What activity do Conrad and Jeanine participate in on their date?

3. Who does Beth leave without saying goodbye to?

4. What type of interaction do Beth and Cal have on the way home from their vacation?

5. What does Cal plan to take time off work for?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why doesn't Beth want to see a counselor?

2. In chapter 19, Cal realizes why he is so worried about Conrad. What does he realize?

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

4. How does Conrad receive reassurance from Cal?

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

6. Why does Conrad confront Cal about in chapter 31?

7. Describe Conrad's life at the end of the novel.

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

9. Describe Conrad's first date with Jeanine.

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

What is the role of Jeanine's character in Conrad's development into a stronger and more independent character? What about the other secondary characters?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Conrad is obsessed with not failing. The other characters also have fears. Analyze the fears of three different characters. Why are these fears significant to the progression of the novel? Do their fears become obsessions? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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