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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. Who, from Tabitha's past life, does Owen set up an appointment for the boys to meet?

2. Who asks Johnny to reevaluate his future, saying that he doesn't have much time?

3. How does Owen develop the large muscles that he has?

4. What did Tabitha purchase from the store in Boston called Jerrolds?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What does Owen hope to do upon graduation from the University, and why?

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

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

6. What goes wrong during the Christmas pageant?

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 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

Amputation becomes a large theme throughout the novel. Compare/contrast the amputation of the armadillo and the amputation of Johnny's hands. What is similar about them? What is the difference? What is the significance of the two amputations?

(see the answer keys)

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