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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 do the Meanys respond to the news of Owen's Christmas responsibilities?

2. What is Johnny's initial reaction to his gift from Dan Needham?

3. How are Johnny's cousins described?

4. How does Owen respond when Johnny calls his mother's death an accident?

5. What does Johnny point to in Tabitha's room that Owen may have mistaken for something else?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Johnny's cousins.

2. What happens to Harry Hoyt's mother?

3. Who is Dan Needham, and what does he look like?

4. How does Johnny Wheelwright's mother die?

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

6. What does Owen predict when he and Johnny are down by the Squamscott River?

7. What is Owen's view of Tabitha's dressmaking dummy?

8. Briefly explain this quote: "God has taken your mother. My hands were the instrument. God has taken my hands. I am God's instrument."

9. How does the Meany family make a living?

10. Who are the Brinker-Smiths?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Overall, there are two major mindsets in the novel of how you progress through life: with caution, or with passion. In an essay, discuss at least five characters who progress through life with caution, and five characters who progress with passion. For each character, give a short explanation as to why they have landed on each list. Then, choose one character from either side of the list and argue why they should have lived their life the opposite way. What does John Irving seem to be saying is the better way to live your life? Which side of the list had happier live, better outcomes?

Essay Topic 2

The relationship between Owen and Johnny is a complicated one. In an essay, argue whether you believe Owen controlled the relationship selfishly, or whether he had Johnny's best interests in mind. What statement does John Irving seem to be making about friendship through Owen and Johnny's relationship? Be sure to support your theory with examples from the text.

Essay Topic 3

The entire novel was working toward the idea of Owen's destiny. He had been aware of his purpose from the very beginning. In an essay, explain what Owen Meany's destiny was, and the ways that he worked toward achieving it. How was Johnny Wheelwright a major part of Owen Meany's destiny? Did the ending give you a sense of satisfaction? Why or why not? Did you feel that John Irving was leading you steadily down one path - toward Owen's destiny - or did the ending come out of nowhere? Why?

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