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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 Mr. Calderwood give Rudolph for a graduation gift?

2. What does Thomas get from a lawyer who has been stealing at the club?

3. What advice does Axel give Rudolph?

4. Which store employee makes inappropriate advances toward Rudolph?

5. What has Rudolph done that Mr. Calderwood is not very pleased about?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. In what way is Gretchen showing some emotional growth?

5. How does Thomas show emotional growth and maturity?

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

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

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

9. How has Teddy Boylan helped Rudolph with his career and at what point does Rudolph call an end to the relationship?

10. Explain the foreshadowing related to Thomas' discovery of Gretchen's affair.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain the author's use of point of view in this story. Identify the point of view used and explain why this book qualifies. How would the book have changed if the author had selected a different point of view?

Essay Topic 2

The author uses several instances of foreshadowing in the story. Explain what foreshadowing is and cite at least two examples making sure to explain what makes each an instance of foreshadowing.

Essay Topic 3

Explain how Rudolph's role as protagonist evolves as the plot extends. How does Rudolph change from the hard-working boy in a bakery to a manipulative businessman and politician? What are Rudolph's motivators? Is Rudolph the typical protagonist hero?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,052 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample