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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 situation does Richard use to talk to Dickie about taking responsibility in life?

2. What subject does Leslie ask Richard if he is going to talk to Dickie about?

3. Why does Richard quit the job in #104?

4. What did Richard once dread but now enjoys?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the basis of the conversation between Richard and Dickie regarding good and evil?

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

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

4. What advice does Richard give Dickie about handling life's challenges?

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

6. How are Dickie and Richard at odds regarding security?

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

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

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

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

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 2

Richard was no stranger to hurt and pain. From what you know of Richard's life through this book, what were his biggest sorrows and worst betrayals? How did he manage through them? How did his coping skills evidence themselves in many aspects of his life? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

The theme of struggling with personal identity is an important one in this book. Describe how it extends through setting, characters and issues and provide examples for each.

(see the answer keys)

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