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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 does Patty say she is angry with Rusty-James?

2. What has Cassandra done previously at Rusty-James' school?

3. How does Motorcycle Boy get a motorcycle?

4. Who shuffles papers as if Rusty-James is wasting his time?

5. What does Motorcycle Boy not like?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Rusty-James mean when he says that Motorcycle Boy is living in a glass bubble?

2. Why does Rusty-James feel that gangs are good despite what Steve and Motorcycle Boy tell him?

3. What does Rusty-James' father do when he gets home in Chapter 5?

4. What happens to Rusty-James when he is frisked by the police?

5. Why is it important for Rusty-James to be with crowds of people?

6. Why is Motorcycle Boy's explanation about why Rusty-James does not like to be alone an eye opening experience for Rusty-James?

7. What is the importance of delaying the appearance of Motorcycle Boy until the third chapter?

8. Why is it important for Rusty-James' friends to go to the vacant lot to watch him fight Biff?

9. What does Rusty-James' bad grammar and slang tell the reader about his character?

10. Why does Motorcycle Boy's comment, "it looks like Rusty-James is always messed up, one way or the other," surprise Rusty-James?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is the symbolism of Motorcycle Boy's color blindness? Explain how the author uses this handicap to reveal aspects of his character. Find descriptions from the text to support your answer and to provide evidence for your opinion.

Essay Topic 2

The role of women in "Rumble Fish" is one of disappointment and negativity. Select one of the female characters (e.g., Cassandra, Patty, Motorcycle Boy's and Rusty-James' mom,) and define how their representation is a reflection of Rusty-James' attitude. Find descriptions from the text to support your answer and to provide evidence for your opinion.

Essay Topic 3

Explain why, and how, Rusty-James succeeds in reaching his goal of becoming like his brother, Motorcycle Boy, by novel's end. Find descriptions from the text to support your answer and to provide evidence for your opinion.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 584 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample