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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 Bruce's mother made his father get him a summer membership?

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

3. Why does Bruce walk all the way home on this night?

4. What room does Bruce recognize in the funeral home building?

5. Where does Bruce have dinner his first night in Salt Lake City?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does the author show that Joe had been an important part of Bruce's life?

2. What two buildings does Bruce see that were important in his father's life?

3. What prompts Bruce to think of Jack Bailey and what does he recall regarding Jack being a cad with women?

4. What is the nature of Bruce's father's work?

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

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

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

8. What was the importance of the tennis club in Bruce's life?

9. Describe the humorous scenario of Bruce trying to outwit the elevator man in Nola's hotel.

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The author begins the story in the present day and tells the story through a series of flashbacks. Why did he choose to tell his story this way? In what way is a flashback technique more interesting for a reader? In what ways is it more complicated?

Essay Topic 2

How does Stegner use the literary technique of local color in RECAPITULATION? What elements comprise local color? Give some examples of the local color in Salt Lake City establishments, in the characters, and i the events.

Essay Topic 3

Project into the future ten years and write a brief synopsis for Bruce's life. Be sure to include emotional states as well as physical characteristics, geographic locations, work, hobbies, and socialization. Will he ever return to Salt Lake City?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 990 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample