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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 is it impossible for any pitcher to strike Owen out playing baseball?

2. Fill in the blank: In the first paragraph of the novel, Johnny says, "I am a ____ because of Owen Meany."

3. Who is the congregational pastor?

4. What does Rev. Merrill say is the essence of true faith?

5. Who does Owen attempt to convince to keep his role in Dan Needham's play?

Short Essay Questions

1. How do the other Sunday school students treat Owen?

2. Why do Owen and Mr. Morrison have a conversation?

3. How is Owen described physically?

4. What does the audience see Johnny Wheelwright reading, as an adult, in Canada, and how does Johnny react?

5. What does Owen think he sees when he enters Tabitha's bedroom?

6. How do the Meanys find out about Owen's Christmas responsibilities, and what is their response?

7. What does Owen mean when he tells Dan Needham that his play is lacking a "certain presence"?

8. What happens when Johnny and Owen are investigating empty dorm rooms at Gravesend over the Christmas holiday?

9. What is the response from Johnny's family after Tabitha's funeral?

10. How does Owen typically play baseball?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Johnny's stuffed armadillo becomes a symbol for the relationship that Owen and Johnny have with each other. In an essay, compare/contrast what the armadillo means to both Johnny and Owen as individuals. What do they use it for? How the physical changes in the armadillo represent the changes that happen in the boys' relationship. How the armadillo comes into play with the fruition of Owen's destiny? How does the symbol of the armadillo return?

Essay Topic 2

Both Owen and Johnny had a tough eleventh year. In an essay, compare/contrast the characters of Owen and Johnny. How are they the same? How are they different? How are their family lives? How has family history affected each of the boys? Finally, explain the ways that the difficulties the boys experienced affected their friendship, and why you think the outcome was, or was not, expected.

Essay Topic 3

There are many characters who feel somehow responsible for the death of Tabitha Wheelwright. In an essay, briefly explain the reasons behind both Owen and Reverend Merrill's belief of their responsibility. What prompted each of them to believe in his responsibility? How has this affected his life?

Next, argue why the responsibility for her death should lie somewhere else. This argument should clearly and succinctly prove why neither Reverend Merrill or Owen is responsible. Use support from the text to prove your argument.

(see the answer keys)

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