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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 does Bruce wonder as he stands in front of the house?

2. What happens when Bruce knocks on the door of the house?

3. With whom did Nola eventually run away?

4. The author uses the literary technique of ______________ to show Nola's future relationship with Bailey.

5. Where did Bill Binnion advise Bruce to go after college?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What was the only life Bruce had ever envisioned for his future?

3. What conclusion does Bruce arrive at regarding Nola's need for a man?

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

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

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

7. What game did the couples play when Bruce and Nola accompanied Bailey and his girlfriend to a cabin one weekend?

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

9. What does Bruce recall about Nola's virginity the first time they were intimate?

10. What did Bruce do when it became apparent that Bailey was hitting on Nola?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Bruce spends some alone time throughout the novel to contemplate his life. What does he think about? What conclusions does he arrive at? Explain why he is in a contemplative mood at this point in time.

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

Explain the concept of loneliness as it exhibits in the story. Which of the characters are lonely? Are they all lonely in some way? Explain the loneliness and the methods and attempts to overcome it.

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This section contains 914 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample