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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 do Rudolph and Jean name their daughter?

2. Who is the man who befriends Thomas on the ship?

3. Who does Rudolph engage to help Gretchen get a divorce?

4. What is the message that Rudolph gets while in Europe?

5. Why does Thomas fly to New York in Part 4, Chapter 7?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is ironic about Thomas' love for the sea?

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

3. What important help is Rudolph able to give Thomas in Part 4, Chapter 4?

4. What is the significance of Thomas' wedding to Kate?

5. How does Thomas reconnect with his son?

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

7. Explain the symbolism of Rudolph's meeting his high school French teacher.

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

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

10. What is the sad irony of Mary's life right now?

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 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?

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?

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This section contains 932 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample