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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. Which of the following does Dr. Adler NOT prescribe for Wilhelm to feel better about himself?

2. Specifically, in which market do Tamkin and Wilhelm invest?

3. What does Margaret want Wilhelm to pay for in regard to their sons?

4. What does Wilhelm eat after Mr. Perls leaves?

5. Why did Wilhelm change his name when he got to Hollywood?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Dr. Adler say he won't give Catherine any money for her art?

2. When does Wilhelm use the car he parks on the street in the city? Where does he go?

3. In Chapter 4, Tamkin tells Wilhelm, "Facts always are sensational. I'll say that a second time. Facts always! are sensational!" What is his purpose for making that statement?

4. What is Wilhelm's opinion on city life?

5. Why does Wilhelm agree to sign a power of attorney document for Tamkin?

6. Describe Wilhelm's appearance.

7. Dr. Adler says to Wilhelm, "It doesn't enter your mind that when I die--a year, two years from now--you'll still be here." What does he mean to say and what impression does he give Wilhelm instead?

8. In the beginning of Chapter 2, Wilhelm and Dr. Adler have a conversation about Wilhelm's mother. What do they talk about?

9. How does Wilhelm feel about Mr. Rappaport's chicken industry in Chapter 5?

10. What is the one item that Wilhelm tells Dr. Adler he wanted most when he left Margaret and why?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Dr. Adler and Wilhelm are two important characters in Seize the Day and have a major impact on the course of the story.

Part 1) Compare and contrast the characters of Dr. Adler and Wilhelm. How are they the same? How are they different?

Part 2) How would we see Wilhelm differently if Dr. Adler had never been introduced as a character?

Part 3) Who is the better father, Dr. Adler or Wilhelm? Cite several examples from the book to support your case.

Essay Topic 2

Poetry is quintessential to shaping this story, and reappears throughout the novel. Select one of the following topics:

1. When Wilhelm was sick, Margaret nursed him and read him poetry. In particular, he recalls a few lines of one of the poems she read. What is the significance of this poem? What does it mean for Wilhelm's character development? At what point in the story is this poem revealed? Why is this significant to the story?

2. Before going to the market, Tamkin gives Wilhelm a poem that he claims to have penned just for him. What is the significance of this poem? What does it mean for Wilhelm's character development? At what point in the story is this poem revealed? Why is this significant to the story?

3. Throughout the story, Wilhelm recalls a book of poetry he had read in college. Specifically, it's the line, "Sunk though he be beneath the wat'ry floor." What is the significance of this poem? What does it mean for Wilhelm's character development? Does the meaning of this statement change as we learn more about Wilhelm and the circumstances of his life?

Essay Topic 3

In this story, many of the characters, particularly Wilhelm, struggle to define themselves. Wilhelm has been called by many different names in his life - Wilky, Wilhelm, Tommy Wilhelm, and Vevel.

Part 1) Identify each name and what it means to Wilhelm.

Part 2) Which one does Wilhelm most identify with and why?

(see the answer keys)

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