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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 long to be for some stability in his life?

2. At what skill is Dick becoming more proficient?

3. Why does May want the money from Dick?

4. What does Dick regret on the day after the hurricane?

5. What appears very green to Dick as he surveys the aftermath of the hurricane?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the climax of the story as Dick's new boat is christened and launched.

2. What is May's response to Dick when he tells her about his affair with Elsie?

3. How does Dick avoid telling May the truth about his affair with Elsie?

4. What mood does the author establish with the brevity of Chapter 47?

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

6. What does Dick determine will be the new driving forces in his life?

7. How does Schuyler's documentary put Dick in an unfavorable light?

8. What is the symbolism of the spartina and the Wedding Cake that are still intact after the hurricane?

9. How does the strain of Dick's infidelity begin to weigh on his mind?

10. How does Elsie's refusal to have sex again with Dick signal an attempt to help him break a destructive pattern?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Striving takes on an almost human persona in this story. What is this literary technique called? Cite examples that support this position.

Essay Topic 2

Casey uses humor in the story to both entertain and convey character. Cite at least two examples which you find especially humorous.

Essay Topic 3

Describe the overall setting for the novel. Why does Casey use the setting he does? What is the time period of the story? How important is the time period to the attitudes and issues of the characters?

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