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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 his flustered outburst at the end of this section, what does Eccles call Harry?

2. What does Harry pick up from his mother-in-law's house?

3. As he drives, what does Rabbit recall Tothero convincing him to do more often on the court?

4. Which of the follow is not something Ruth lists as something johns get from her but not from their wives?

5. What information does Allie tell Ruth in high school?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Harry leave Janice at the end of this section?

2. What does Harry realize about Tothero as they leave the Sunshine gym?

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

4. Why does Mrs. Angstrom feel no pity for Janice?

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

6. Why does Janice slap Nelson?

7. How is Janice's attitude toward Rabbit conflicted at this point?

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

9. What is Jack Eccles supposed to be doing instead of playing golf?

10. Why is Joyce Eccles afraid?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

If Harry Angstrom is a child in a man's body, Ruth Leonard becomes a woman very early in her life. She is the pragmatic center of the novel, a survivor. Write an essay about Ruth's objectives throughout the novel. Why does she decide to take Harry back to her apartment, and why does she let him stay? What in her past has prepared her for the worst this man can offer? What does she do when she realizes he has left her, and how does she react when he returns?

Essay Topic 2

The specter of death is ambiguous in RABBIT, RUN. It is at once remote and inconceivable, and sudden and horrific. Some characters have come to expect it at any moment, while others are suddenly struck down by it. Focusing on Tothero, Mrs. Smith, and Rebecca Angstrom, write an essay on death in the novel. How do characters understand the end of their lives? How do survivors cope with it?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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