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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 say he deplores?

2. What happens to Finny as he leaves the room?

3. What is Finny not ready to get back into?

4. Who is ridiculed for wanting to finish school before enlisting?

5. Whose memory is considered to be perfect?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Finny suddenly begin to believe that the war is real?

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

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

4. What does Gene offer as an explanation for his disheveled appearance when Finny returns?

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

6. What does Finny say about the war?

7. What was the result of Finny's accident this time?

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

9. What does Gene do when Finny expresses his shock and disappointment in the idea of Finny enlisting?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The scene when Finny and Gene are on the beach playing hooky is a touching one, though it seems while it is very important to both boys, the reactions are different from what the reader expects.

Part 1: Describe what happens between Gene and Finny when they are on the beach.

Part 2: Why can't Gene respond to Finny's statement?

Part 3: What does this scene seem to reveal to Gene (and to the reader) about Finny?

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

Leper is certainly a compelling character in this novel, causing the reader to be diverted from the stories of Finny and Gene from time to time.

Part 1: Why do you think Leper got his nickname? What does this seem to say about his personality and reputation?

Part 2: Why do you think Leper is a significant character in this story? What is his purpose in the story?

Part 3: Is Leper a sympathetic character? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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