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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. Shepherd reminds Richard that Richard has a passion for _________________ when he was young.

2. Richard's brothers are Roy and __________________.

3. Where is the angel at the beginning of Chapter 4?

4. How old is Richard?

5. Richard learns that the desert around him is created by ____________________.

Short Essay Questions

1. What role do angels play in Richard's life?

2. Describe the time that a woman came to Richard and started discussing his thoughts.

3. When Leslie prods him, what memories does Richard recall that might be the source of Dickie's anger?

4. Why is Dickie sad about giving the memories to Richard?

5. What is Richard's memory of the water tower?

6. Explain the metaphor of being captain of your own ship as Richard explains it to Dickie.

7. Describe Dickie's sense of accomplishment in the water tower incident.

8. What philosophy about numbers does Richard share with Dickie?

9. Describe Richard's first encounter with Dickie.

10. What story does Richard tell Dickie about his friends, Mike and Jack, that lets Richard know that he and Dickie are a good team?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

RUNNING FROM SAFETY is a classic story of loss and renewal. What does that classification entail? Why does this book fit into this category? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

Richard used more than one iteration on the theme of loss. Identify at least two examples about loss in the book and then explain why the examples support the theme.

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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