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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 does Conrad find out about Karen's death?

2. Which of the following best describes Conrad's life at the end of the novel?

3. For what reason do Cal and Beth travel in chapter 24?

4. What does Jeanine ask questions about in chapter 30?

5. How does Cal's mentor describe Beth?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. Why does Beth behave the way she does at dinner in chapter 29?

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

6. Why does Conrad visit Joe Lazenby in the Epilogue?

7. When and why did Arnold stop mentoring Cal?

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

9. What does Beth do in chapter 23 to disturb Cal?

10. Why is Conrad angry at Jordan?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What role does Karen's death play in Conrad's life? How is Karen's death significant to the progression of the novel?

Essay Topic 2

Who is the protagonist of the novel? Who is the antagonist? How do both the protagonist and antagonist of "Ordinary People" contribute to the novel's conflict?

Essay Topic 3

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?

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