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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 Jean destroy in a drunken rage?

2. What news does Gretchen receive in her hotel room?

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

4. With whom is Thomas having an affair?

5. What business does Rudolph decide to buy?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Thomas' reconnection with his mother after so many years apart.

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

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

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

5. How does Thomas reconnect with his son?

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

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

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

9. What are the two main reasons Thomas' reconnection with his mother is so important?

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

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

What is Teddy Boylan's role in the story? What is his background? Why is he interested in Gretchen? What is his relationship with Rudolph? Is he the quintessential "rich man?"

Essay Topic 3

The search for love is an important theme in RICH MAN, POOR MAN. Can you cite an example to support this theme? Name two other themes and cite examples to support your answer.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,029 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample