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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. Why does Lorraine listen to Mr. Pignati's jokes over the phone?

2. What does Mr. Pignati offer John and Lorraine, who are posing as charity workers, after he invites them into his house?

3. Lorraine feels that John needs to make up interesting stories about his life because he is _______.

4. Why is Lorraine hesitant to meet Mr. Pignati face to face?

5. Lorraine notices that John lies to his family but his family ______.

Short Essay Questions

1. What do John and Lorraine gained through Mr. Pignati's death?

2. How does Lorraine feel about Mr. Pignati when the police take her and John to their homes after the party breaks up?

3. What does the reader learn about John's feelings after Mr. Pignati dies?

4. What reason does Lorraine give for John wanting to be an actor?

5. What uninvited guest shows up at John's and Lorraine's party?

6. Why does John's father stop drinking?

7. How do John and Lorraine discover that Mrs. Pignati passes away?

8. What games do John and Lorraine like to play with Mr. Pignati at his house?

9. How does Lorraine describe John?

10. Describe Bobo, Mr. Pignati's friend.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

John wants to be an actor, and Lorraine wants to be a writer. Explain how their personalities and views on life reinforce their career choices.

Essay Topic 2

1. Analyze the depth and range of emotions John and Lorraine experience during the week when Mr. Pignati is recovering at the hospital.

2. During this week, do you feel the teens mature, regress, or a little of both? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

The author uses a unique literary tool to tell a story in The Pigman. He has his two main characters retell the series of events in writing, in their own words through alternating chapters. Explain what makes this literary technique effective. How does it add interest level to the narration? How does the reader get a broader perspective through the use of this technique?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 847 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample