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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. After discussing the issue or Renata in Chapter Twenty, Tom flashes back to a time when the three children were __________________.

2. After Tom confronts her in Chapter Twenty, what does Susan then accuse Tom of doing?

3. Why does Susan return inside from the terrace after talking with Tom after dinner in Chapter Fifteen?

4. The Amberjack has arrived to capture _____________.

5. What event in Tom's life occurs in 1971?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Henry help "The Amberjack"?

2. Why is Tom jealous of Savannah in Chapter 18?

3. What does Tom realize after reading the first page of Renata's book?

4. How does the town react to "The Amberjack's" presence?

5. Why does Tom agree to help find Luke?

6. Why does Tom get in a fight in Chapter 17?

7. What is significant about the new black student's ability to beat Tom in a race?

8. What is different, according to Susan, about the way Bernard interacts with Tom and his father?

9. Why is Lila bitter about Tom's decision?

10. Why is Tom shy in the locker room at South Carolina University?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

A major idea in the novel is the concept of transformation. In fact, many of the characters in the novel undergo a transformation or reinvention throughout the course of the novel.

Choose ONE of the following characters and explore the details and significance of his or her transformation. Be sure to include specific and relevant evidence from the text as you develop your response.

A.) Tom.

B.) Savannah.

C.) Luke.

D.) Henry.

E.) Lila.

F.) Susan.

G.) Bernard.

Essay Topic 2

A major motif throughout the novel is the pattern of hiding. Many of the characters are consciously or unconsciously hiding something about themselves, about their pasts, or about their family. As the novel progresses, each of these characters is given the opportunity to reveal the truth that he or she has been hiding or to conceal it further.

Choose ONE of the following characters and discuss how he or she participates in this motif. What is the character hiding? Is the concealment intentional or accidental? Does the character ever reveal this truth? What are the ramifications of the character's decision to disclose the secret or continue hiding it?

A.) Tom.

B.) Lila.

C.) Henry.

D.) Savannah.

E.) Bernard.

F.) Susan.

G.) Luke.

Essay Topic 3

Tom spends much of his narrative delving into the lives and experiences of his parents and even grandparents. In fact, Dr. Lowenstein is occasionally frustrated by Tom's refusal to speak exclusively about her patient, Savannah, but Tom persists that in speaking about these seemingly tangential anecdotes, he is in fact providing insight into Savannah's character. Consequently, each of the Wingo children are an amalgamation of various influences and traits of their parents and grandparents.

Choose ONE of the following Wingo children and examine their character in terms of the influences he or she exemplifies from the Wingo parents and/or grandparents (Henry, Lila, Tolitha, Amos). You may write about one of these character's exclusive influence on one of the Wingo children or you may discuss how several or even all of these characters influenced the lives and actions of one of the Wingo children.

A.) Tom.

B.) Savannah.

C.) Luke.

(see the answer keys)

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