View a FREE sample

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

Short Answer Questions

1. Who gives Joel a haircut in?

2. What is Joel squeamish about in Chapter 7 when he is with Idabel?

3. Who whistles for Joel to come outside when he is sitting with his father after Jesus Fever's death?

4. When he runs away, what does Joel leave a bottle of for Randolph?

5. What does Joel's father drop from his hand at the end of Chapter 6?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

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

Examine the author's portrayal of the theme of coming of age through Joel's character. What might the author be saying about the unpredictability of coming of age based on Joel's journey from boy to man in the book?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 209 words (approx. 1 page at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample