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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. Why is Thomas intent on making a living at sea?

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

3. What business does Rudolph decide to buy?

4. Where are Rudolph and Jean living in Part 4, Chapter 2?

5. What does Thomas realize that Rudolph does not have?

Short Essay Questions

1. What are the two most important factors in Virginia Calderwood's overt flirtations with Rudolph?

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

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

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

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

6. What does Gretchen ask Rudolph to do in order to help her son in spite of the fact that she and Rudolph have had a strained relationship for a year?

7. What are Gretchen's legal battles related to the death of her husband?

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What do you think are the three main sorrows in Mary Jordache's life? Cite examples to support your answers. Explain how Mary grows from these experiences.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the theme of good vs. evil in the novel. Who/what represents good? Who/what represents evil? How do they co-exist or do they? What is the final confrontation?

Essay Topic 3

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?"

(see the answer keys)

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