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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 Dobie learn that there will be no steel mill strike?

2. What makes Mike and Mary happy about their boarding business decision?

3. Who does management finally agree to meet with after the rank-and-file workers are ignored?

4. What plan does Mary have to help with finances?

5. What is the purpose of the C.I.O.?

Short Essay Questions

1. What brings about labor problems at the mill? What does Johnny do as a result of the unrest?

2. Where do Mike and Mary move to at the end of Part 2, Chapter 10? What do they have to do to get extra money now that there are no boarders?

3. At the beginning of Part 2, Chapter 6, what are Mike and Mary doing to make extra money? Who is giving them pointers?

4. What directives does the company give the mill workers on how to vote? Does Mike follow the directives?

5. What suggestions do Joe and Dorta have for Mary to take care of her children? Is Dorta's suggestion based on logic or emotion?

6. When Mary collapses during her pregnancy, she is given instructions by the doctor to rest during the day when "she feels like she need to". What are Mary's responsibilities at this point in the story? What do Mary and Mike decide to do to lighten her responsibilities?

7. What happens to George at the end of Part 4, Chapter 10? Explain how this event's aftermath is so typical of George's behavior throughout the book.

8. Who comes in from New York for George's funeral? What feelings does Dobie express about living and working in Braddock to Mikie? What does this once again say about Dobie's resolve?

9. What is the extent of Dobie's involvement with the union activities at the end of Part 4, Chapter 11 ? Explain.

10. What situation leads to Dobie moving back to Pittsburgh? What job does he take? What historic event happens in the country around this time?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What characteristics does George have which would be valuable in running a successful business? Which characteristics would be a detriment? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the metaphor between the book's title and the steel mill.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss in sequence specific actions that Dobie takes concerning unions that exemplify his tenacity for fighting for his beliefs.

(see the answer keys)

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