View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

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

2. Who does Owen inadvertently murder?

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

4. Who comes to visit Dan Needham and Johnny over the Christmas holiday?

5. Whose religious doubts does Johnny appreciate?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Owen typically play baseball?

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

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

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

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

6. What is significant about Johnny Wheelwright's family?

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

8. What changes does Owen make to the Christmas pageant once he becomes the director?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

Throughout the novel, Owen takes charge of many characters' lives. This role of leadership is a very important aspect in his life. In an essay, discuss three events in which Owen takes a leadership role, or controls another character's actions. Select another character in the novel and explain how Owen's need for control has affected their relationship. Finally, compare and contrast Owen's physicality with his personality. Why might the need to control be such an important aspect of character?

Essay Topic 3

While exploring the dorm rooms at Gravesend, the boys are initiated into the worlds of puberty and sexuality. Compare and contrast the boys' expectations of puberty with what they actually experience. Why might John Irving have included sexuality as a major theme within his novel?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 793 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample