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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 Pat wait for, outside Eggleston's office?

2. What does Madeline suggest that taunts Pat?

3. Why does Pat threaten Bill Hardesty with physical violence?

4. What happened to Lila's real husband?

5. According to Doc, who will the authorities soon be looking for?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why isn't Madeline arrested in Chapter 29?

2. Does Doc have a happy ending?

3. Why does Pat wonder if Lila killed Eggleston?

4. Why is Pat's announcement to the men at the meeting not as effective as he was expecting?

5. What does Pat discover when he goes to Doc's apartment after the meeting?

6. What does Pat believe Doc's plan is when Pat approaches Eggleston?

7. Does Pat have a happy ending?

8. When Pat goes to Eggleston's office, why does he wait until Eggleston has left his office before entering?

9. In Chapter 19, why is Eggleston acting so despicable towards Pat?

10. Whom will Doc's scheme benefit?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

While Pat visits Madeline in Chapter 12, a parole officer enters the apartment. Describe this episode and explain the significance of:

a) The parole officer willing to accept a bribe.

b) Pat exposing his scars.

c) Pat beating the parole officer into submission.

d) Pat trusting Madeline.

Essay Topic 2

Compare and contrast the characters of Doc and Pat. How are their personalities different? How are their life stories different? Are there any similarities between the two men?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the National Phalanx and how its "Red Scare" tactics are reflective of the period in which the novel was written.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 548 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample