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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 day is it in Part 4, Chapter 5?

2. Where does Thomas find his son?

3. What is the name of Thomas' son?

4. At what age does Jean get her inheritance?

5. Where do Thomas and Dwyer see many beautiful pleasure boats?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the significance of Dwyer in Thomas' life?

2. What is the nature of Gretchen's struggles in Part 3, Chapter 4?

3. How does Jean's depression escalate into alcoholism and what are the first signs of the disease?

4. What happens with Gretchen and the young black man that makes Gretchen change her mind about continuing her studies?

5. How does Jean indirectly ruin Rudolph's career as mayor?

6. How does Thomas' protection of his friend, Dwyer, in a fight ultimately have profound negative impact on Thomas' life?

7. How does Rudolph' help for Professor Denton come full circle from many years ago?

8. What do the boat charters represent as positive changes in Thomas' life?

9. How has Rudolph reached the pinnacle of success in every aspect of his life?

10. Explain why dropping Billy off at boarding school is such a cathartic point for Gretchen and Willie's broken relationship.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The author uses several instances of irony in the book. One example is the boat-related deaths of Axel and Thomas. Cite at least two other examples you can identify in the story and note why they are examples of irony.

Essay Topic 2

Describe some of the settings for the novel. Be sure to include geography, time period and any pertinent popular culture events. Why did Shaw choose to use these places in the text?

Essay Topic 3

Explain the nature of this book and why the author created it the way he did. Why did he choose to create the book based on the perspectives of more than one person? Is it effective? How is it different from reading a regular novel? How is it the same?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 936 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample