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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 would be Bruce's biggest reason for staying in Salt Lake City?

2. Nola's family could be called ___________.

3. What restricted the intimate moments between Bruce and Nola?

4. Why was Bruce reluctant to leave his mother at home while he went to the prom?

5. What did Bruce and the girl in #103 do during the intermission at the dance?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why did Bruce and Nola have few intimate moments together?

2. What could account for Bruce's high opinion of himself as a young man?

3. What does Bruce recall about his brother, Chet's, life?

4. How have Bruce's perceptions of Nola changed over the years?

5. How does Bruce violate his instincts about bringing any friends into their home?

6. How does Bruce feel that he is above Nola's family members?

7. What were the circumstances that prompted Bruce to go to law school?

8. What does the author reveal about the way Chet had died?

9. Other than leaving Nola, what complicated Bruce's decision regarding going to law school?

10. How did Nola avoid having sex with Bruce in the cabin that weekend?

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

Stegner is a master at dramatic devices. Choose an example of symbolism, metaphors, and irony. Briefly describe them and identify the technique which they embody.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 906 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample