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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. Where does Johnny work in the summer of his first year at the University?

2. How does Owen respond when Dan suggests that he invite his parents to the play performance?

3. What does Owen call the column that he writes for the Gravesend newspaper?

4. What brand of cigarettes does Owen smoke?

5. After what event does Owen ask Johnny to wait for him?

Short Essay Questions

1. What significant events happen when Randall White is elected headmaster?

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 has Owen done to prepare the amputation blade?

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

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

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

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

9. What happens when Owen, as The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come, takes Scrooge to his grave?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

There are many characters who feel somehow responsible for the death of Tabitha Wheelwright. In an essay, briefly explain the reasons behind both Owen and Reverend Merrill's belief of their responsibility. What prompted each of them to believe in his responsibility? How has this affected his life?

Next, argue why the responsibility for her death should lie somewhere else. This argument should clearly and succinctly prove why neither Reverend Merrill or Owen is responsible. Use support from the text to prove your argument.

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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