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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 Owen claim God has taken from him to make him God's instrument?

2. Which play is Dan Needham directing?

3. How does Johnny swear he will die?

4. Who is the rector of the Episcopal church?

5. How does Johnny respond to Owen's request to meet his cousins?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Johnny Wheelwright's mother die?

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

3. Why does Owen react so strongly to Johnny's opinion of his mother's death?

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

5. What happens to Harry Hoyt's mother?

6. Why does Owen's family switch to the Episcopalian church?

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Both Owen and Reverend Merrill played a large part in cementing the religious faith of Johnny who vacillated on religion through most of the novel. In an essay, compare/contrast the religious faiths of Owen and Reverend Merrill. Consider how much trickery comes into play in regards to the faith of characters in the novel. What message do you think John Irving was attempting to state in the novel? How do both Owen and Reverend Merrill's views on faith affected Johnny's views? Which had a larger impact on his faith? What changes did each character prompt in his beliefs?

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

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?

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