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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. Gretchen feels that ____________ is taking over her life.

2. What does Thomas request that Rudolph find for him?

3. What does Jean say when Rudolph asks her to marry him?

4. Who has Rudolph married?

5. Where does Thomas take his mother when he visits?

Short Essay Questions

1. What are Gretchen's concerns for Billy at this point in time?

2. How does Thomas reconnect with his son?

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

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

5. What is the symbolism of the name Thomas chooses for his boat?

6. Explain how Thomas' selflessness in protecting Jean shows him to be the most fully evolved character in the book.

7. How does the author fill in plot and character development between chapters?

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

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

10. Explain how Thomas' original return of the $5000 has resulted in a positive way for him after all.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Describe the role of the family in RICH MAN, POOR MAN. What does it mean for each of the main characters? How does the family evolve in its support of each other? How typical is the Jordache family to most American families?

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 979 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample