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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 does Finny accidentally wear as a belt?

2. Where do the boys go when they realize how late they are?

3. Who is impressed with Gene's hard work?

4. What does Finny accuse Gene of wanting?

5. What is the name of the school the boys attend?

Short Essay Questions

1. As Gene and Finny are getting ready to sleep on the beach, what does Finny reveal to Gene?

2. What is Finny's mistake that he makes when having tea with the substitute headmaster Mr. Patch-Wilders?

3. What position has Gene volunteered for?

4. What does Finny convince Gene to do that is forbidden by the school?

5. Who does Gene describe the tree when he was younger and standing in front of it with other boys?

6. What does Gene realize about the rivalry between Finny and himself?

7. Who is the narrator of "A Separate Peace"?

8. What does Finny say when Gene asks him what he remembers about the fall?

9. What happens as Gene loses his balance on the branch with Finny?

10. What group do the two boys decide to form while they are down by the tree after tea time?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The tree by the river is the site of many victories and one foreboding accident. Juxtaposing nature with tragedy seems to cause the reader to react more strongly than they might have had the accident occurred in another setting.

Part 1: What might the symbolism of the tree mean in the story? What might the tree represent to the characters and to the plot?

Part 2: Describe the victories that occur at the place of the tree.

Part 3: How does the tree affect each of the main characters in this novel?

Essay Topic 2

While Gene is the narrator of the story, it seems most of the action and reaction in the story is related to Finny.

Part 1: Why is Gene the more important character in this novel?

Part 2: Why doesn't Finny make sense as the main character in this book?

Part 3: Is there another character you feel is even more important? Support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

From the very beginning, we learn that Gene will be the narrator from the story, but as with any narrator, a reader must question whether they can be trusted or not.

Part 1: Do you think Gene is a reliable narrator? Why or why not?

Part 2: In realizing that Gene might not be the most reliable narrator, how does this change your perception of the story and of Gene and Finny?

Part 3: What other character might prove to be a more reliable narrator? Support your answer.

(see the answer keys)

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