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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. Which of the characters have never sailed?

2. What kind of car does Ma Springer own?

3. Why did Ma Springer have to use the good china?

4. What is the Reverend's nickname?

5. What does the dancer make herself sick on?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Charlie say about the business?

2. Why does Nelson like Pru?

3. How does Harry react when he sees Charlie back at work?

4. How does Harry's night with Thelma change him?

5. Why does Harry have to go along with Bessie and Janice's idea to take on Nelson?

6. How does Janice react when she sees the gold coins?

7. What does Charlie tell Harry about the situation with Nelson?

8. What do Pru and Nelson do in Brewer?

9. What does Harry think about as he runs through Brewer?

10. How does Pru injure herself?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Examine the author's writing style. How would you describe Updike's prose style? What kind of vocabulary does he use? What meaning does Updike's style give to the story?

Essay Topic 2

Choose two of the following people and outline their influence on Rabbit's life:

1) His basketball coach

2) Ruth

3) Mim

4) Janice

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the author's life. In what way is his life and personality reflected in the book? In what ways is he like or unlike the main character?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 673 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample