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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 book does Jack choose for Ma to read to him in "Presents"?

2. What is Ma's response when Jack asks her in "Presents," "What am I like?"

3. On what day of the week does Old Nick usually bring supplies and treats to Ma?

4. What does Ma pretend to be when she and Jack play "Islands" in "Unlying"?

5. What does Jack make Ma a bracelet from in "Unlying"?

Short Essay Questions

1. How would you describe Ma's relationship to religion in "Presents"?

2. Describe the activity called "Scream" in the narrative. Why do Jack and Ma engage in this activity?

3. What does Ma's "Bad Tooth" symbolize in the narrative?

4. What does Ma give Jack for his birthday in "Presents"? What does Jack do with his gift?

5. Describe Jack's breakfast with Ma on his birthday in "Presents." What does Jack eat?

6. How does Jack define "real" and "pretend" in "Presents"?

7. How does Ma explain "Outside" to Jack in "Unlying"?

8. What does Ma tell Jack about the television in "Presents"?

9. How does Ma compare herself to Alice in Wonderland in "Unlying"?

10. What leads to Ma's admitting that things in the TV are real in "Unlying"?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the themes of abuse and sacrifice in Room. How are these themes developed through character, action, symbolism, and imagery in the narrative? What are some of the sacrifices that Ma makes for Jack, and vice versa? How has Ma managed to cope with abuse for so long?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the narrative point of view in Room. Why do you think the author chose to relate the story from Jack's point of view? How would the narrative differ if it were related from Ma's point of view? How limited or omniscient is Jack's perspective? Do you think that Jack is a reliable narrator? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the theme of family in Room. What does family mean to Jack, to Ma, and to Ma's family? Why do you think that Ma has always been open about being adopted? How does Ma's relationship with her parents change after she's escaped confinement?

(see the answer keys)

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