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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 does Dick meet with his family after the hurricane?

2. Who does Dick see Marie having sex with?

3. Elsie says Schuyler is happy because ______________________.

4. Where does Dick feel the happiest he can remember?

5. Who has repaid Elsie's brother-in-law?

Short Essay Questions

1. What news does Dick learn when he overhears a conversation between Elsie and Mary?

2. What is the irony of the value of the books Miss Perry gave to Dick and his sons?

3. What does Dick tell Elsie that he expects May's reaction will be when he reveals his infidelity?

4. Explain how the author uses the technique of flashbacks in Chapter 50.

5. What is the significance of Dick and Elsie spotting the blue canoe after the storm?

6. How does the weather reflect the state of Dick and his family?

7. How does the weather reflect the state of Dick and May's relationship?

8. Explain how the hurricane has changed Dick and his feelings about his misplaced priorities.

9. How do Dick's conflicted feelings about Parker continue to exhibit in Chapter 44?

10. What happens in Chapter 44 that exacerbates Dick's gloomy feelings when he is on shore?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The role of women is a main topic addressed in this story. Explain the theme that extends through all the female characters. What is the presumed role of women in America during the 1980s? Explain by giving examples.

Essay Topic 2

he author uses more than one iteration on the theme of hope. Identify at least two themes about hope in the book. Then cite an example to support each theme you name.

Essay Topic 3

Explain the concept of loneliness as it exhibits in the story. Which of the characters are lonely? Are they all lonely in some way? Explain the loneliness and the methods and attempts to overcome it.

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