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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. Why is Tom furious with Dr. Lowenstein?

2. Which character helps "The Amberjack"?

3. What is Reese Newbury's land to be used for?

4. What does Tom recall Savannah used to do with special gifts?

5. How does Tom feel heading into the fight?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

6. What is happening to the relationship between Susan and Tom during Chapter Fifteen?

7. What does Tom admit is even worse than the story of his family's attack?

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

While the narrative of the Wingo family abounds with tragedy and conflict, Conroy does manage to interject select scenes to provide a sense of comic relief into the otherwise traumatic account.

Choose ONE scene from the novel that provides some measure of comic relief. Be sure your essay:

A.) Discusses the particular scene in detail for the reader.

B.) Analyzes how this scene provides a relief or contrast to the more serious and depressing elements of the Wingo history.

C.) Evaluates the role of this scene in the overall narrative. Why is it necessary in the story? How would the novel be affected without it?

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,092 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample