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This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. How is the light described as it enters Paul's room in Part 4?

2. How does Paul respond when the doctor asks how he is feeling?

3. What does Paul sense as the doctor talks with his parents in front of him?

4. What does the doctor determine about Paul's eyes?

5. What happens after Paul speaks to his mother for the final time?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Part 1 begins with an allusion to a secret that is not identified.

1) Describe how the secret is first introduced, the analogies Paul uses to present it, and the effect it has on his life in general.

2) Explain why the author does not reveal what the secret is immediately. What is the purpose behind giving its features and showing the results of it first? How does learning about the secret's effect on Paul before knowing its identity add to its impact?

Essay Topic 2

Describe the character of Deirdre. What do her character traits represent for Paul? Why does she try to get his attention? What does his response indicate? In general, how does Deirdre illustrate Paul's disconnect with the world he knows? Why is that important to the theme of the story?

Essay Topic 3

Describe the confusion Paul experiences on his way home from school, what causes it, and why it happens close to his own house. What does the confusion cause him to wonder about? How does it make him more anxious and impatient? What does the confusion actually represent, and why is it important to the character's state of mind?

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This section contains 321 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample