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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. Richard discovers that many people near him at the event are ________________.

2. Richard encourages Dickie to pretend that there is a god who ________________________.

3. Dickie wants Richard to talk to him like a __________________.

4. Richard encourages Dickie to be ______________ in his life choices.

5. Richard says that home to him is _______________________.

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Richard view Dickie in Chapter 34 as opposed to seeing him as an imaginary friend in Chapter 33?

2. How does Richard mentally escape the charity ball in Chapter 20?

3. What does Richard's attempts at getting Dickie to stay show about their relationship at this point?

4. Why does Richard use the word "different" to discuss marriage with Dickie?

5. What example of coincidence does Richard use to show Dickie that he should run away from safety?

6. What example does Richard give regarding taking a risk and doing something you love as opposed to doing what other people may think of as stability?

7. What does Richard now know that Bobby's death meant to him?

8. What does Richard recall about his brother, Bobby's, death?

9. What name does Richard give for his religion when Dickie asks?

10. How does Richard use the metaphor of games to explain life to Dickie?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The search for love is an important element in Richard's life. How was Richard treated as a child? How did he feel about his relationship with his brother? His parents? Does Richard find a rare love when he rediscovers Dickie? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

Renewal is an important theme in RUNNING FROM SAFETY. Can you cite an example to support this theme? Name two other themes and cite examples to support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

Spirituality takes on an almost human persona in this book. What was the source of the religious beliefs? How pervasive were the religious beliefs? Why is Richard considered to be more spiritual than religious? What is this literary technique called? Cite examples that support this position.

(see the answer keys)

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