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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. Whose religious doubts does Johnny appreciate?

2. Fill in the blank: Owen says that "_____ makes people crazy."

3. What job did Owen believe was passed on to him from a higher being?

4. What is heard in the background of Ms. Wheelwright's funeral?

5. What do Johnny's cousins do with the hopes of drawing blood?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

5. How does Johnny react to Owen's baseball card apology?

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

7. Describe Johnny's cousins.

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. What happens when Owen meets Johnny's cousins?

10. What happens to Harry Hoyt's mother?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Owen Meany's faith that he is an instrument of God makes up a large part of his character. Choose two characters in the novel and compare/contrast their views on whether or not Owen was an instrument of God. How does Owen's history and beliefs affect their views of him?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Jealousy is another theme that becomes introduced into Johnny and Owen's relationship as they progress into adolescence. In an essay, explain two of the major events that prompt jealousy between the two boys and the ways that the jealously is overcome. What was it that the boys discussed/decided, if anything, to smooth out their relationship? Had Owen lived into adulthood, do you imagine that jealously would have continued to live in their relationship? What adult events might have transpired that one boy, or the other, could have been jealous of?

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