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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 Johnny believe makes Owen attractive to girls?

2. What happens to Johnny's grades in his first year at the University?

3. Which famous musician does Owen have an obsession with?

4. As an adult, what board was Johnny running for re-election in?

5. How does Johnny react to Owen's date for the dance?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is ironic of Johnny's job as an adult?

2. What happens to the boys' grades once they get to the University?

3. What is the reaction to Mrs. Wheelwright's new television?

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

5. What happens with Owen's collegiate schooling after he is kicked out of Gravesend Academy?

6. How do the boys start their trip to Boston?

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

8. How does Owen react to the nuns at the academy?

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

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

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

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?

Essay Topic 3

The relationship between Owen and Johnny is a complicated one. In an essay, argue whether you believe Owen controlled the relationship selfishly, or whether he had Johnny's best interests in mind. What statement does John Irving seem to be making about friendship through Owen and Johnny's relationship? Be sure to support your theory with examples from the text.

(see the answer keys)

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