View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What kind of seminar does Stoner allow a student to take in Chapter IX?

2. Who puzzles over Lomax's devotion to Walker in Chapter X?

3. How many minutes are professors allowed to question Walker during his oral examination?

4. What must Stoner serve on in regards to Charles Walker's oral examination?

5. What does Walker's committee decide about his fate after his oral examination?

Short Essay Questions

1. How is the set-up of Charles Walker's oral examinations described?

2. How does William's teaching schedule change after Lomax is appointed chair of the English department?

3. How does Charles Walker arrive to his first class with William?

4. How does Charles Walker react when William threatens to fail him from his seminar?

5. How do William and Katherine begin their love affair with one another?

6. How is William able to get his preferred class schedule back from Lomax in Chapter XIV?

7. How is William and Katherine's affair described at the beginning of Chapter XIII?

8. How does William react when Finch suggests he pass Walker because he could lose his job?

9. How does William find ways to see Katherine after he reviewed her dissertation?

10. Describe William's actions after Katherine drops off her dissertation for him to read.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The theme of death is one that is portrayed through many characters in the book including David Masters, Archer Sloane, and eventually William Stoner. Considering the evolution of death through these three characters, what might the author be saying about the nature of death and its impact on others?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 739 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample