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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 the state of Rudolph's employment?

2. Where is Gretchen living with her son in Part 3, Chapter 1?

3. What does Jean destroy in a drunken rage?

4. What business does Rudolph decide to buy?

5. What industry does Gretchen work in?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

9. What is the reason Thomas must run away and get a job on a ship?

10. 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?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Create a character study of Rudolph Jordache. What are his physical characteristics? What are his motivations? What are his fears? What are his dreams? What else can you say about Rudolph?

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.

(see the answer keys)

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