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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 war was occurring when Gene was last in school?

2. Does Gene tell anyone about Finny's broken record?

3. Who is supposedly going to jump from the tree?

4. Gene realizes that Finny has a special _____ that lets him get away with anything.

5. "Nothing endures, not a ________, not love, not even death by violence."

Short Essay Questions

1. What seemed so much larger to Gene, as told by him, when he was younger as opposed to now?

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

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

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

5. What does Gene fear Finny is trying to do when Finny tries to waste Gene's time?

6. Compare and contrast Brinker and Leper.

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

8. What sport does Finny think is a horrible addition to the summer athletics program?

9. What does Finny decide to do in celebration of the first Allied bombing of Central Europe?

10. What is one of the main rules for the secret club that Finny and Gene have created?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

The relationship between Finny and Gene is a complex one, even bordering on codependent in nature, with one having to help the other in order for the other to cope.

Part 1: Describe the ways in which Gene relies on Finny for his sense of self esteem, and vice versa with Finny.

Part 2: Would you consider their friendship healthy or unhealthy? Support your answer.

Part 3: What changes might be made to their friendship that might make it more positive?

Essay Topic 3

The idea of the war and enlisting seems to be on every boy's mind as they progress through the novel.

Part 1: List the characters who state they want to enlist in the war effort.

Part 2: Which of these characters actually do enlist in the war effort?

Part 3: What does the act of enlisting seem to symbolize for the boys in this story?

(see the answer keys)

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