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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 college is DeForest prevented from attending in Chapter 25's story?

2. Which dictionary is Dr. James Murray hired to edit in Chapter 14?

3. What is the only item stolen from the traveler in Chapter 32?

4. Where is the important letter that Taylor misses in Chapter 30 originally sent from?

5. Why does Taylor begin to refuse his mail in Chapter 30?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Why is Edzard's painting puzzling to people in Chapter 36?

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

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

5. How does Dr. Pemberton inadvertently discover a popular soft drink formula?

6. How does "Chains" discuss a historical saying?

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

8. How does Harvey describe the life of W.C. Fields?

9. What is the irony in Chapter 7?

10. What dilemma do two brothers have in "All in the Family"?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

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

Harvey chooses to address two controversial issues in Chapter 69 and 72.

1) Describe the story about feminism and the use of dates to support the surprise ending of Chapter 69.

2) Explain the relevance of James' story in Chapter 72 as it relates to women in the military.

3) Analyze the different approaches that Harvey uses with both stories and his reasons for them.

(see the answer keys)

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