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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. Where had Janice initially thought Rabbit was when he did not return?

2. Why does Rabbit make Ruth leave the door open when she uses the toilet?

3. Where is Harry's son, according to Janis?

4. Which of the following is not one of the three principal tools of the basketball player that Tothero discusses?

5. Of what city was Eccles' grandfather Bishop?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Ruth make fun of Harry regarding Chinese food?

2. What disagreement do Harry and Ruth have regarding religion?

3. Describe Ruth's high school relationship with Harrison.

4. Why does Janice begin drinking so heavily in this section?

5. Describe Rabbit's run to the hospital.

6. Why does Ruth insist that Rabbit has it made in life?

7. What factors cause Harry to storm out of Club Castanet?

8. What obstacles does Rabbit face trying to retrieve his clothes?

9. What does Reverend Kruppenbach believe is the true vocation of a preacher?

10. What is Harry's work situation after he returns home?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Harry Angstrom is a classic American man-child, a grown figure who has not been able to develop emotionally past his adolescence. Write an essay about the stunted development of Harry, focusing on his relationship to those older than him and to women. Who does he look to for guidance, and how does he expect it to be given? What is his attitude toward sex and fidelity?

Essay Topic 2

The novel RABBIT, RUN contains much discussion of the elusive nature of faith. Harry struggles with the idea of the divine for a long time, unable to explain it to anyone, even himself. Write an essay on faith in the novel, in three parts:

Part 1) Ruth, an agnostic, is sickened by the church across the street from her apartment. How does Harry defend the idea of God in both her apartment and atop Mt. Judge? What was he raised believing?

Part 2) As Jack Eccles and Harry play golf, Harry explains the reason for his leaving home. To what extent is Harry's initial journey from his family a religious pilgrimage? What does he seek?

Part 3) Examine how the death of Rebecca Angstrom affects Harry's faith. How does he reconcile his notion of God with the senseless death of his child?

Essay Topic 3

Marty Tothero seems like a cautionary figure when the prodigal Harry shows up at the Sunshine Athletic Association. He is separated from his wife, living in a storage closet, and occasionally attached to a likely prostitute. Write an essay about Tothero and Harry as kindred souls. What warnings does Tothero make to Harry? How does Harry feel like Tothero in his second date with Ruth and Margaret? Why does Harry always want to get away from Tothero?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,007 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample