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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 brand of cigarettes does Owen smoke?

2. How does Barb Wiggins tease Owen Meany?

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

4. What happens to Johnny's grades in his first year at the University?

5. What realization does Johnny make during the performance of "A Christmas Carol"?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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?

Essay Topic 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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