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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. Where has the writer of the cryptic telegram gone?

2. Where does Finny want Gene to go with him?

3. Who does Gene spend more time with?

4. What does Finny decide to throw?

5. Brinker says that Gene might have a _______ in not clearing up the details of Finny's accident.

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Gene note when he is making up Finny's bed for him?

2. What eventually happens when the boys realize what Finny is doing in #49?

3. What does Gene realize about Finny as he is being carried away by the others?

4. How does Finny response when Gene sneaks in to visit him?

5. What does Gene conclude about Leper's admittance that he escaped?

6. When the students of Devon are looking at different options for military recruitment, what is guiding their decision?

7. Why does Leper decide to enlist in the war?

8. What does Brinker say to Gene about his new living situation?

9. When Gene and Leper get into an argument, what does Leper accuse Gene of?

10. What does Finny do during the snowball fight with Gene and the others?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

With World War II looming in the background of this novel, the darker nature of the world outside of Devon is hard to escape.

Part 1: What does World War II symbolize in this novel?

Part 2: What is the significance of World War II to each of the characters in the novel?

Part 3: How does the war relate to the title of this book?

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

While Gene continues to feel upset about Finny's accident, it seems that even though he is 'cleared' of his charges and Finny never seems to blame him, the 'sin' follows him.

Part 1: Do you feel that Gene sinned? Was his bouncing of the branch done out of hatred? Support your answer.

Part 2: Does Gene ever find a sense of redemption? Why or why not?

Part 3: What does Finny's fall represent in this novel? What does it have to say about growing up?

(see the answer keys)

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