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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 Stoner become fixated on during the war when he is an undergraduate?

2. What does Stoner say he has no feelings of in regards to the war?

3. What is the name of the college the protagonist attended?

4. What does the protagonist decide to study after changing from his original subject in college?

5. How are the protagonist's parents' reaction to his desire to get a PhD described?

Short Essay Questions

1. How do Edith's actions towards William change when she decides she wants a baby?

2. How are William's meetings with Finch and Masters first described in the book?

3. How is Sloane's funeral described?

4. Why does Edith's father commit suicide?

5. What is the nature of the letter William receives from Edith after he proposes to her?

6. How is William's study of English described over the three years he studies at the University of Missouri?

7. How is William and Edith's first time making love described?

8. How is Edith and William's relationship described when they return from their honeymoon?

9. How is William and Edith's first night together as a married couple described?

10. How does William learn about the new agriculture program at the University of Missouri?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The concept of learning is one that brought much joy to the book's protagonist. Part 1.) What does learning represent to William and why is he so passionate about it? Part 2.) How does success and ambition hinder William's ability to learn and fulfill his love of knowledge? Part 3.) What role does learning have in better understanding and defining William's nature?

Essay Topic 2

Examine the theme of dedication that is portrayed in the book. Why does William show such dedication to Edith, especially during his relationship with Katherine, considering the turmoil and challenges he experiences in his home life? What is telling about his nature based on his dedication to his family?

Essay Topic 3

The author often places emphasis on the concept of war in various parts of the book. Part 1.) Discuss Archer Sloane's views of the war and examine the impact it had on his psyche in the book. Part 2.) How does William's view of war change from World War I and World War II, and how does this mirror Sloane's feelings towards war? Part 3.) Considering this book was published during the Vietnam War, what message might the author be giving about war in his portrayal of it in the book?

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