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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 Catch say about pushing cars?

2. What is the primary industry of Pine Cove today?

3. What was the first name of the town of Pine Cove?

4. What event does Rachel ask Robert to photograph?

5. Who does Augustus meet by the water?

Short Essay Questions

1. At the end of Chapter 2, an Arab man comes into the bait store. What do the patrons believe they see, in terms of his appearance as well as when he swears?

2. What leads Detective Sergeant Alphonso Rivera to watch the tape of Robert's drunk driving arrest, and what does he see on the tape?

3. A number of strange events occur in town on the night the Breeze disappears. List each of those events.

4. What leads up to Jennifer's acceptance of Travis' offer for a date?

5. Several reasons are given that the older individuals in the bait store believe something supernatural has occurred. What are some of those reasons?

6. Describe Effrom's morning routine at the beginning of Chapter 11.

7. Explain what Billy does to become Roxanne.

8. How did Gian Hen Gian come to be trapped in a bottle?

9. What is the first event that led Robert to believe miraculous events always arise to help him out of problems?

10. Discuss why Jennifer has stopped shaving and wearing makeup over the last several months.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Throughout the novel, the lives of the characters prove to be connected in ways they do not understand. Amanda and Travis are connected through their night on the train, Nailsworth is involved with Roxanne, who is Billy, who has been eaten by Catch, and so forth. Rivera is asked to check on Roxanne, and is connected with Robert and The Breeze through an impending drug bust. This interconnectedness appears to suggest an order for the universe, which is in direct contrast to Augustus' belief in chaos.

Using examples from the book, explain which view of the universe you believe the novel represents. Are the situations in the novel chaotic in nature, or based on an orderly undercurrent? Why do you believe this is the case? What does this say about the author's view of the universe? Does this coincide with the religious undertones of the novel? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

There is clearly a theme throughout the novel of corrupt morality within religious realms. Travis experiences this at the seminary in a tragic way. Describe, in detail, the corruptions of morality Travis experienced at the seminary. Do you think this had an effect on his overall belief in religion, based on his conversations later in the novel with Jennifer? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

The sexual interactions of the characters within the novel seem to dictate many of their actions, which is common among human beings. While some, like Rachel and Bella, use sex for power, some, like Travis and Jennifer, appear to use sex as a means of ending loneliness and to feel closer to another human being. Effrom uses sexual concepts as an escape from reality, and also as a way to preserve memories of his wife. Choose one of these themes, and explain how the characters use sex to attain these goals in the novel.

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