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This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. The article that Eccles reads in the waiting room is by a man who plays what sport?

2. What does Rabbit imagine when Dr. Crowe says Janice is being prepared?

3. Where does Janice leave Rebecca while she cleans up the kitchen?

4. What does Harry insist Ruth do to make up for her time with Harrison?

5. Which of the following is not a nickname that Eccles gives to one of his parishioners?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Children play a strange and ambiguous part in RABBIT, RUN. They represent a primal state, one that needs and hurts in equal measure. Write an essay on the role of children in the novel, divided into three parts:

Part 1) In Harry's absence, Nelson plays with Billy Fosnacht at Mrs. Springer's house. How do the boys interact? What regulatory role does Mrs. Springer play in this situation, and how does this reflect an attitude toward children that no longer exists?

Part 2) What is Lucy Eccles' attitude toward children? How is it informed by her strict adherence to Freud? How does it place her into constant conflict with her husband?

Part 3) What role does Rebecca Angstrom play in the world of the novel? Does she bring the Angstroms together, tear them apart, or both?

Essay Topic 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

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

(see the answer keys)

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