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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What was Hamper's problem with his job on the axle line?
(a) He thought he should not work first shift.
(b) He was too short.
(c) He was not strong enough.
(d) He could not figure out the progression.

2. While reading The Wall Street Journal article, what did Hamper realize?
(a) The working class survivors were a pitiful lot.
(b) The average American was not interested in the working class survivors.
(c) The working class survivors were the backbone of America.
(d) He would rather be a writer than a factory worker.

3. Why did Hamper begin writing?
(a) His sister thought he would have a lot of success as a writer.
(b) He was hoping to move out of the factory into publishing.
(c) He wanted to tell his story.
(d) He was unemployed again and bored.

4. What happened when Hamper wanted to get out of his move to Pontiac
(a) He was told he'd have to see if his job would still remain in two years.
(b) The union representative said he would pull some strings so he could stay.
(c) He was fired immediately.
(d) GM would not let him out of a signed contract.

5. When did Hamper experience his last breakdown?
(a) November 1995.
(b) June 1990.
(c) April 1988.
(d) February 1992.

Short Answer Questions

1. While meeting the producer from 60 Minutes, why was Hamper nervous?

2. Why did Hamper want to wear the Howie costume head?

3. What did Hamper call his "real attraction to David Steel" (pg 98)?

4. What happened as the Rivet Line began to build army trucks?

5. What tattoo did Doug, the steering gear man, have on his arm?

Short Essay Questions

1. What kind of place was Mark's Lounge? How was this place exactly what Hamper needed?

2. Hamper describes Paul Schobel's work techniques through a series of natural metaphors (pg 189). Why is this different from what might be expected? How is it humorous?

3. What conversation did Hamper and his grandfather have during the family reunion? How does this fittingly illustrate the difference in their generations?

4. In the Epilogue, Hamper shows the conflict between his mindset as a shop-rat and his time outside the factory in therapy. How did he show this and which attitude was stronger in his mind?

5. What was Hamper's reaction to the news that Louise Mandrell had ordered a GM Suburban? How does this fit what the reader already knows about Hamper's personality?

6. At the beginning of Chapter 5, how did Hamper portray the employees of the Michigan Employment Security Commission? Is this a fair picture?

7. What was Hamper's opinion of the Flint Voice when he first read it? What expectations does this create in the reader's mind?

8. What was one of Hamper's favorite ways to pass time at work? How is this an interesting facet of his character?

9. According to Hamper, why does the reading public not want to read about the working man? Is this a fair assessment?

10. What arrangement did Paul and Hamper scheme up at work? How did Hamper justify this, even to the point of making it appear right?

(see the answer keys)

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