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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. Where does Gretchen want to move?

2. Where does Mrs. Jordache live now?

3. Where had Rudolph worked part time during his years at school?

4. Where does Mary plan to sleep from this point on?

5. Why is Clothilde in America?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Rudolph capitalize on his relationship with Teddy Boylan?

2. Explain why Thomas is so happy living in Ohio.

3. Explain how Thomas is Axel's least favorite child but Thomas is most like Axel.

4. How is Gretchen's meeting with Teddy Boylan so prophetic for her brother's lives as well as her own?

5. Explain the complications of Axel's decision to pay off the father of the girls who have accused Thomas of statutory rape.

6. What are the reasons that Axel is depressed which ultimately lead to his death?

7. What is the state of Mary's physical and mental health?

8. What is the nature of Thomas' affair with Clothilde?

9. What is Mary's reaction when she learns that Axel gave up $5,000 to save Thomas?

10. What does Thomas do to Teddy Boylan as revenge for Teddy's seducing Gretchen?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The author uses several instances of flashbacks in the story. Explain what a flashback is and cite at least two making sure to explain what makes each a flashback.

Essay Topic 2

Explain the ongoing conflict between Rudolph, Thomas and Gretchen. What are the main sources of the conflicts? Why does it perpetuate?

Essay Topic 3

What is Teddy Boylan's role in the story? What is his background? Why is he interested in Gretchen? What is his relationship with Rudolph? Is he the quintessential "rich man?"

(see the answer keys)

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