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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. In what quarter of the game does Harry completely forget about the crowd?

2. What building is directly across the street from Ruth's apartment building?

3. How many points does Harry say he scored in his first game under Tothero?

4. Why does Rabbit get a damp towel from the bathroom?

5. About how old was Mrs. Smith's son when he was killed in World War II?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Tothero's living arrangements.

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

3. How does Rebecca Angstrom die?

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

5. Why does Harry resent Ruth's going to the bathroom after sex?

6. How has Nelson dealt with Harry's absence, according to Janice?

7. What does Joyce Eccles call Harry, and why?

8. How does Harry interact with Mrs. Springer after coming home?

9. What has Harry decided about God by the end of the novel?

10. How does Harry find out that his child has died?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Harry Angstrom is often little more than a lost child in the novel. He constantly searches for a mentor, someone who can simply tell him the right way. Write an essay about three people Harry looks to for guidance. How do these people come into his life, and why does he look up to them? What advice do they give him? Does it help?

Part 1) Marty Tothero

Part 2) Jack Eccles

Part 3) Mr. Springer

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

Write an essay about Janice Angstrom's inner struggle with her own self-image. How does her relationship with Harry affect the way in which she views herself? In what way do her children serve as surrogates for her husband? Why does she turn to alcohol so often to cope with life? Explore these questions as you chart her character's arc.

(see the answer keys)

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