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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 Dan think is the ultimate message that Owen was trying to send with the stuffed animal?

2. What happens to the house of the mother whose son is killed in the Vietnam war?

3. In which city did Johnny's mother meet his father?

4. What does the mother, whose son is killed in the Vietnam war, say about those who protest the war?

5. In chapter 3, why does Owen enter Tabitha's bedroom?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What was the conflict that Dan and Tabitha encountered when they were planning their wedding ceremony?

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

5. How is Owen described physically?

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

7. How does Owen apologize to Johnny?

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

9. Explain the situation that Johnny will later describe as his sexual awakening.

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

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

Owen is surely the most confident character in the book, a characteristic that might not have been expected by the reader. In an essay, explain the symbolism of the armadillo throughout the story. Where and when does it appear? Does it's symbolism every change? Consider what the armadillo means to both Johnny and Owen as individuals. What do they use it for?

Essay Topic 3

Both pride and confidence come into play in the novel, and both have serious consequences to events within the novel. In an essay, explain the difference between pride and confidence. What effects do each characteristic typically have in situations?How does pride irrevocably changed the outcome of both Christmas productions. Finally, choose one character in the novel and explain why you would consider him or her prideful over confident. How has that pride affected this character's life? What has come of this character's pride?

(see the answer keys)

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