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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 do Rudolph and Gretchen finally find Thomas?

2. Which store employee makes inappropriate advances toward Rudolph?

3. What does Gretchen call Rudolph?

4. Where does Thomas go when he makes a quick trip to New York?

5. What does Rudolph wake up from a nap to hear?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What is the significance of the Communist charges brought against Professor Denton?

3. How does Thomas show emotional growth and maturity?

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

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

6. How are Rudolph, Gretchen and Thomas introduced in the story?

7. What happens to the $5000 Thomas gives back to Rudolph?

8. How is Rudolph's career taking off at Calderwood's company/

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What do you think are the three main sorrows in Mary Jordache's life? Cite examples to support your answers. Explain how Mary grows from these experiences.

Essay Topic 2

Alcohol abuse seems to be an unnamed character in the book. How pervasive is the abuse? Why does it have such a prevalent place in the characters' lives? How does it affect the abusers? How does it affect those impacted by the abusers? Explain how an inanimate object or characteristic can be a character.

Essay Topic 3

Project into the future ten years after the end of the novel and write a brief synopsis for the lives of four of the characters. Remember to exclude Thomas but you may choose from Rudolph, Gretchen, Jean, Kate, Dwyer, Wesley and Billy.

(see the answer keys)

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