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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 Owen ask Johnny to meet him?

2. What brand of cigarettes does Owen smoke?

3. What part of Johnny's body does Owen cut off?

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

5. What is Owen doing when Johnny finds him backstage?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. As an adult, what is Johnny discussing with Canon Mackie?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Even though Hester, Owen, and Johnny have a very tight friendship, there are moments when they all begin to doubt each other. In an essay, explain why the boys (either together or individually) doubted some of the decisions that Hester was making. Why did Johnny and Hester (either together or as individuals) doubt some of the decisions that Owen was making? What is the importance of those doubts in the novel? How had their friendships managed to overcome the doubt?

Essay Topic 3

Both Owen and Johnny had a tough eleventh year. In an essay, compare/contrast the characters of Owen and Johnny. How are they the same? How are they different? How are their family lives? How has family history affected each of the boys? Finally, explain the ways that the difficulties the boys experienced affected their friendship, and why you think the outcome was, or was not, expected.

(see the answer keys)

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