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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. In "They Tore Down the Polo Grounds in 1964", we learn about a member of Ray's family. Who is this person?

2. In the beginning of the book, how does Ray prevent his grass from being ruined in a freeze?

3. The first time Shoeless Joe arrives on the field, who is the first one to greet him?

4. Why does Ray stop in Chicago on his road trip to New Hampshire?

5. According to Ray, which position player can teach you everything you need to know about a game?

Short Essay Questions

1. What did Dr. Graham always buy for his wife?

2. Where is Eddie buried? Why?

3. According to J.D. Salinger, how are writers like magicians?

4. What trick does Ray use to keep the field from freezing?

5. What happens when Karin chokes on a hot dog bun?

6. What does Annie's family think of Ray?

7. At the Minneapolis Twins ballpark, how do Ray, Salinger and Archie get into the stadium at night?

8. How does Ray convince J.D. Salinger to admit to hearing the voice?

9. What does Eddie tell Ray to do about his father?

10. What do you think will happen to the baseball field after the last game in The Rapture of J.D. Salinger,?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In an essay, write a literary critique of The Shoeless Joe. Include the following:

• What is the author's purpose in writing the story?

• What is the author's underlying belief about the topic?

• Do you agree with the author's conclusions?

• Does the writing follow a conventional plot diagram?

• Is the conflict made clear?

• Do you agree with the author's resolution of the conflict?

• Is there enough evidence throughout the novel to support the events that take place?

Essay Topic 2

Overall, W.P. Kinsella wants the reader to believe in a simpler time where all was good. Was all truly good in the world at this time? For whom was it an unequal time?

Essay Topic 3

In an essay, analyze what affect point of view has on the novel. Using examples from the text, from what point of view is Shoeless Joe told? How would the novel change if it were told from the point of view of each of the following characters:

• JD Salinger

• Annie Kinsella

• Mark

(see the answer keys)

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