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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. Whose death causes a downward spiral for Owen?

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

3. Which character carries the screaming Owen off stage?

4. What unusual article of clothing is Owen wearing when Johnny arrives?

5. Whose lines does Owen loudly whisper after the actor has forgotten them?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

10. What goes wrong during the Christmas pageant?

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

Organized religion plays a major role throughout the novel, creating both conflict and resolution. Choose one of the questions below as the focus for your essay, and support your answers with examples from the text.

1) Compare/contrast the upbringing that both Owen and Johnny had with organized religion. How did their upbringings affect how they acted, and how they viewed the differently situations they encountered throughout the novel?

2) Explore at least three major events in the novel where religious conflict is introduced. What is the significance of that conflict? How is religion used at that those points? Is religion used effectively to get a message across?

3) As an adult, Johnny wavers on whether he believes in religion. What events lead him toward religion, and what events have led him away?

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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