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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 puts a strong emphasis on building a life where one can find _________________.

2. Who is Richard's friend in this memory?

3. Richard and Leslie discuss letting Dickie know about ___________________________.

4. Richard tells Dickie that Dickie should become __________________.

5. Richard tells Dickie to let go of ____________________.

Short Essay Questions

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

2. In what capacity was Dickie at the charity ball and why is Richard upset by Dickie's behavior there?

3. Explain some of the philosophies of life that Richard explains to Dickie such as space-time and the elements of the human experience.

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

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

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

7. How does Richard turn around the negative feelings he had regarding attending the charity ball?

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

9. What is a common theme in the book, and how does Richard use this factor to grow his character?

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

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

Project into the future ten years after the end of the book and write a brief synopsis for the main characters' lives. Will Dickie still be such a presence in Richard's life? What will Richard be doing? Will Dickie age at all or will he be eternally nine years old?

Essay Topic 3

The author uses more than one iteration on the theme of disappointment. Identify at least two characters who either embody or experience disappointment, then cite an example to support your answers.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,250 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample