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This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is the second thing Wilhelm does in the beginning of Chapter 7?

2. How much have Wilhelm and Tamkin invested together?

3. In contrast to Dr. Adler, what about Tamkin is appealing?

4. While in Tamkin's room at the hotel, what does Wilhelm notice most about the river?

5. What is the first place Wilhelm and Tamkin go in Chapter 5?

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

Many of the events we witness in the story occur because of one factor: pride. Consider the following:

Part 1) Pride was a factor when Wilhelm lost his job at the Rojax Corporation. Why? What happened?

Part 2) Tamkin is the only character who knows exactly why Wilhelm lost his job. Why does Wilhelm tell him? How does his pride motivate him to tell Tamkin?

Part 3) How is pride still a factor in Wilhelm's life? How has this pride caused him to get into his current situation?

Essay Topic 3

The title of the book, Seize the Day, is used twice in the text, by two different characters.

Part 1) What does "seize the day" mean?

Part 2) Who uses the phrase? Is it used differently the first time it's used and the second? Why or why not?

Part 3) Why do you think Saul Bellow chose this title for his book?

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