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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. What is Bruce's father's nickname?

2. What type of childhood did Bruce have?

3. In addition to the person in #19, who else would Bruce like to see on this trip?

4. What did Bruce think of Jack Bailey's fashion sense?

5. Nola is described as ______________________.

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens when the girl's boyfriend realizes that Bruce has gotten fresh with her?

2. Why does Bruce hate his father for his mother's sake?

3. What does Bruce recall about the house once he is inside?

4. What messy school project does Bruce recall and how did his father harass him?

5. What is the symbolism of the cabbage that Bruce steals?

6. How does the episode of Bruce touching the girl's breast show what a simple time he lived in?

7. Who are the two friends that Bruce recalls as he reminisces about his childhood?

8. What were Bruce's school years like?

9. Who is Nola and what is her role in Bruce's life?

10. What does Bruce learn about the phone number given to him by the funeral director?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

At the core of RECAPITULATION is the study of a father and son relationship. Define the relationship between Bruce and his father. Why was it so combative? What long-term effect did the relationship have on Bruce's life? How does Bruce come to terms with this primary relationship?

Essay Topic 2

Describe the overall setting for the novel. Why does Stegner use the setting he does? What is the time period of the story? How important is the time period to the attitudes and issues of the characters?

Essay Topic 3

The theme of the passage of time will be an important one in the novel. How does the author begin to build this theme? Give examples of the passage of time throughout the book.

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This section contains 898 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample