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This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What did Randolph's girlfriend tell him she has been aware of since the beginning of their relationship?

2. Who joins Joel in the room after his haircut?

3. Where does Randolph tell Joel he first moved to with his girlfriend?

4. What is Joel hit with after having his hair cut?

5. What does Joel strap on before joining his friend outside in Chapter 10?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

A common theme represented in many of the characters in the book is a sense of isolation.

Part 1.) How have the residents of Skully's Landing purposefully isolated themselves from outsiders, and what motivations do they have for doing this? Part 2.) How has Joel created a sense of comfort within his isolation, and what is telling of his character based on this action?

Part 3.) What might the author be saying about the nature of the book's main characters based on their willing participation in their own isolation?

Essay Topic 2

Examine the symbolism of birds in the book. In what way might the bird trapped in Joel's room represent his own plight at the Landing and his inability to find love and comfort?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the possible symbolism for Idabel's colored glasses in the book. In what way might Idabel's offering Joel her colored glasses be symbolic of her trying to shelter him from the harshness of life when you are an outsider?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 262 words (approx. 1 page at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample