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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 old is Claude Dukenfield when he beats up his father in an act of retaliation?

2. As stated in Chapter 9, when does Patrick Henry declare the words, "Give me liberty or give me death"?

3. After carbonated water is added to it, what soda does Pemberton's syrup eventually become?

4. What Massachusetts city is where the show is played in Chapter 10?

5. What movie does Catherine Campbell audition for in Chapter 18?

Short Essay Questions

1. Which two events does Harvey discuss in "The Night Sin City Died"?

2. What unusual method for composing operas does Wagner use in "Wagner's Collaborator"?

3. What is General Taylor's missed opportunity in Chapter 30?

4. What is the surprise ending of Rachmaninoff's story in Chapter 16?

5. How does Harvey describe the inspiration of a literary character in Chapter 13?

6. What irony is Harvey depicting in "The Name of the Game"?

7. How does an actress' past cause Harvey to include her story in Chapter 27?

8. What issue does Harvey explore in the historical setting of Chapter 28?

9. How does a father's change of ways help his son in "Bad, Bad Ed O'Hare"?

10. Who is "The Reluctant Vampire," and what is his story?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In "The Rest of the Story," Harvey proves that fortune can come from the most unlikely places. Compare and contrast the styles and techniques of the four different stories that feature wealth, charity, a theme of rags to riches, and/or inheritance.

Essay Topic 2

Describe the importance of the surprise endings in Harvey's stories. Include why they are effective, the way they are used, and how they are significant in Chapter 8 and Chapter 10.

Essay Topic 3

Lincoln's assassination is a popular topic for Harvey in the book.

1) Explain how Edwin's letter in Chapter 22 is connected to the assassination of Abraham Lincoln by coincidence.

2) Analyze the story about Mary, Lincoln's wife, in Chapter 28, and the issue that is discussed in the story.

3) Describe Lucy's engagement in Chapter 58 and how it might have influenced the tragic assassination of President Lincoln.

(see the answer keys)

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