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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. What does Mike expect to happen after he votes?

2. At the beginning of Part 2, Chapter 11, who does Mike plan on meeting later for a drink?

3. Who suggests that Mary should take in boarders to earn money?

4. Which candidate is Mike's choice in the election?

5. Who is Mary baking a birthday cake for in Part 1, Chapter 5?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. How does Dobie's private life change during the Depression? What happens in his work life?

4. Who owns the hotel in East Pittsburgh where Dobie stays? Why is this a good thing for Dobie? How does Dobie make money with his electrical skills?

5. Why does George come to live with Mary? Is George's behavior towards Mary that of a loving father?

6. 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.

7. Describe Mary's life and her children's after Mike's death.

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

10. At the end of Pat 2, Chapter 14, what happens after George goes out drinking the day before Anna's baby's christening?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

At the end of the book, could George be described as a successful man? Support your response with details.

Essay Topic 2

Each generation of "immigrant" has his/her own "furnace" to escape. Compare/contrast the furnaces of George, Mary, and Dobie. Just as a furnace forges steel, hard work and effort can forge a better person. Did each generation's "immigrant" become a better person after his/her life experiences in America? Explain in detail.

Essay Topic 3

George lies to his sister Francka about being robbed. Explore why George would find it necessary to lie to Francka. Give at least two other instances from the story where George does not trust family members with the truth.

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