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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 takes a stand for Benji before the football game against North Charleston?

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

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

4. Whose photo does Tom find in Savannah's apartment?

5. What event causes Tom to cry while talking to Lila?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Tom ironically avenge Herbert's rude behavior?

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

3. What is the symbolism of Luke's solitary war with the government?

4. What does Henry's visit to Tom in this chapter reveal about Henry's character?

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

6. Why is it ironic that Oscar Woodhead hoists Benji on his shoulders after Colleton beats North Charleston?

7. What does Tom recognize as he has dinner with his mother?

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

9. Why does Henry help "The Amberjack"?

10. How could you characterize Luke's experiences in Vietnam?

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

What role do racism and bigotry play in the novel? Discuss specific examples of racism and bigotry in the novel and how it affects the overall ideas presented in the narrative.

Essay Topic 3

While the novel contains Tom's narrative of his family history, the title of the novel is based on a poem written by Savannah. Discuss the significance of the novel's title. Who is the Prince of Tides? Support your answer with specific examples and reasoning from the text.

(see the answer keys)

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