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. Who/what does Owen think that the nuns torture?

2. Who does Owen invite to the school dance?

3. Why does Owen want to repeat the ninth grade?

4. Why did Tabitha claim she could not return the item she purchased back to Jerrolds?

5. How is Owen feeling on the night of the Christmas pageant?

Short Essay Questions

1. As an adult, what does Johnny overhear his friend Katherine Keener's husband saying about him?

2. How does Barb Wiggin treat Owen, and what is his reaction?

3. What chilling event happens after Owen believes he has seen his own death?

4. What did Tabitha tell the boys about her red dress?

5. What is Owen's favorite skill in basketball, and how does he accomplish it?

6. What habit has Hester taken up, and how does it affect her life?

7. What does the letter that Johnny receives from the draft board say?

8. What has Owen done to prepare the amputation blade?

9. What does Johnny think he sees when he is peering out at the audience from backstage during the Christmas pageant?

10. What does Tabitha's old singing teacher tell the boys?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Throughout the novel, John Irving chooses to present the reader with both the childhood version and the adult version of Johnny. Compare/contrast the presented characteristics of both the child and adult versions of Johnny. What events in the novel may have contributed to the man that Johnny Wheelwright grows to become. What evidence do you see to back up this theory? What reasons do you think John Irving has for interrupting the childhood stories of Johnny with the moments of Johnny as an adult. What messages is he trying to send? What is added to the story by seeing Johnny as an adult?

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?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 802 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample