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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 is Thomas' home port city?

2. Who has Rudolph married?

3. What political office does Rudolph now hold?

4. What is the name of Gretchen's new husband?

5. What does Thomas remind Gretchen not to do?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

8. How did Thomas ruin his boxing career?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

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.

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