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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. Tom is determined to discover ____________.

2. Chapter Two flashes back to the 1970s when Tom is a _____________.

3. Why does Tolitha ask Luke to take pictures of her in the coffin?

4. What do we learn about Lila's father in Chapter Eleven?

5. During which decade does Tom begin recalling the story of his family?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Tom admit to hating both men and women equally?

2. Why does Tom punch Todd Newbury, and what does this reveal or suggest about Tom?

3. How does the scene in the funeral parlor contrast with the rest of the Wingo childhood?

4. What kind of family does the Prologue portray?

5. How does the fury of the storm echo the plight of Lila Wingo?

6. What does Luke pray for before his father leaves for Korea?

7. How do the Wingo children get revenge on the Newburys?

8. Who is the Prince of Tides?

9. What is one of the benefits of Tom's extraordinary childhood?

10. How does Lila react to Henry's buying a tiger?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Tom says that growing up as a Wingo taught him to survive. Savannah tends to disagree. Of the three Wingo children, which emerges the strongest? Whose character and psyche survive the trials and traumas of this dysfunctional family? Support your position with clear and logical evidence from the text.

Essay Topic 2

The game of football plays a major role in the lives and events of several characters throughout the novel. Discuss the role of football in the novel. What part does it play in the text? Be sure to examine at least three different accounts of football from the narrative as you develop your thesis about the significance of this sport in the novel.

Essay Topic 3

In the Epilogue of the novel, Tom is seen to repeat the name "Lowenstein." Similarly, Savannah was heard to repeat words and phrases during her time of extreme mental suffering. Do you think Tom Wingo has found the happiness and fulfillment that he seemed to be lacking in the opening of the novel? Or has he merely sacrificed his own peace and joy for the sake of family?

Write a persuasive essay in which you share your ideas on this subject. Be sure to justify your assertions with specific and relevant evidence from the text.

(see the answer keys)

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