View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Pat give to Doc in Chapter 4?

2. What does Pat notice about the Capitol building?

3. What did Pat Cosgrove go to jail for?

4. At the apartment, whom does Doc introduce to Pat?

5. What color is Myrtle's hair?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Pat reveal to Madeline and the parole officer in Chapter 12? Why does he do this?

2. How does Pat get his job at the Highway Commission?

3. Describe Pat's new home.

4. After Doc picks Pat up from prison, they stop at a roadhouse diner. What bombshell does Doc drop on Pat at the diner?

5. Pat overhears Doc arguing with another man by his car. What does Pat conclude about the argument between Doc and the other man?

6. What makes Pat realize that he is in serious trouble?

7. Why doesn't Madeline share her life story with Pat?

8. Why does Lila apparently buy the car for Pat?

9. Why is Myrtle Briscoe upset over Pat's parole?

10. Why is there a tussle between Pat and the woman he was following?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There are a number of violent episodes in the novel, often including the protagonist. Discuss the concept of violence in "Recoil".

Essay Topic 2

What are some unanswered questions in the story? Are they vital to the story or are they insignificant? Is there anything that goes unanswered that affects your opinion of the story?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss politics in "Recoil." Is it portrayed in a positive or negative light? How does it affect our protagonist?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 513 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample