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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 Dan believe will disappear once Owen begins his schooling at Gravesend?

2. Where is Owen transferred upon graduation?

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

4. How is the audience for Dan Needham's play affected by Owen's performance in the Christmas pageant?

5. Which character seems to have insider information on the brewing affair between JFK and Marilyn Monroe?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What happens when Johnny goes to meet Owen at the monument shop?

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

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

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

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

8. What does Owen look like when he is 16?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Johnny's stuffed armadillo becomes a symbol for the relationship that Owen and Johnny have with each other. In an essay, compare/contrast what the armadillo means to both Johnny and Owen as individuals. What do they use it for? How the physical changes in the armadillo represent the changes that happen in the boys' relationship. How the armadillo comes into play with the fruition of Owen's destiny? How does the symbol of the armadillo return?

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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