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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. With whom does Bruce believe Nola had made love before him?

2. Where did Bruce's father go instead of caring for his wife who was recuperating from surgery?

3. Why did Bruce leave at the end of the summer?

4. Who was Bill Binnion?

5. Where can Bruce and Nola spend a night alone together?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What does Bruce recall about spending time at the Mulders' home?

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

5. Why does Bruce think more about his time with Nola than Chet when he returned for Chet's funeral?

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

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

8. What factors must Bruce weigh in making decisions for his future?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Create a brief character study of Mrs. Mason. What does she look like? What are her positive personality traits? What are some of her negative characteristics? What are her hopes and fears? What motivates her during her lifetime?

Essay Topic 2

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.

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 946 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample