View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Where does Rudolph keep an apartment?

2. What does Thomas do for work now?

3. Who does Rudolph visit because he suspects mishandling of money?

4. Who has Rudolph married?

5. What does Thomas remind Gretchen not to do?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Thomas reconnect with his son?

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

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

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

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

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

7. How did Thomas ruin his boxing career?

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

The story begins in America during World War II. Explain the significance of this war on America in general and the Jordache family specifically. What impact did the war have on the choices that the Jordaches made? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

The author uses several instances of irony in the book. One example is the boat-related deaths of Axel and Thomas. Cite at least two other examples you can identify in the story and note why they are examples of irony.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 841 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample