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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. As Hank heads to campus after the call about the dead bird, he thinks about his father-in-law. What are his feelings about his father-in-law?
(a) That he has always liked him but is not sure his father-in-law feels the same about Hank.
(b) He wishes he knew him better.
(c) He dislikes him.
(d) They get along great and have a lot in common.

2. What situation at the end of the Epilogue makes Hank laugh at how academics can be?
(a) Not very practical - they cannot get out of a room.
(b) Very narrow - they only know a lot about one thing.
(c) Very generous - everyone comes to help him.
(d) They have no idea how to handle money.

3. Why is the meeting that Hank can tell from the lights important to him?
(a) He wants to be at the vacation-time meeting to ask for time off.
(b) He thinks the dean will tell the press negative things about him.
(c) He might lose his position as interim chairman of the English department.
(d) He thinks he might be transferred to the Humanities department.

4. What method did Hank's father find worked for him, and he could finally resume lecturing?
(a) He recorded his lectures and wrote comments on the board.
(b) He stood at the back of the room so no one could see him.
(c) If he started outside the room and looked up at the back wall.
(d) He wore dark glasses to class.

5. After botching the first lecture, Hank's father was confident he could return to the classroom and lecture again. What was the name of the student that was last on the roll?
(a) Mrs. Wordsworth.
(b) Mrs. Wheelwright.
(c) Miss Ellsworth.
(d) Miss Wainwright.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Hank learn as the meeting below him comes to an end?

2. Hank is covered in urine and knows he can't be seen in public. What makes him hide in his office ceiling?

3. Why is Hank upset with his mother about Mr. Purty picking up his father and his things?

4. Where does Mr. Purty pick up Hank's father, before Hank sees the two of them at the diner?

5. How many books does Hank say his father had published by the time he left his family?

Short Essay Questions

1. Hank goes back to his office after seeing his mother on the street. What happens to him there and what does he immediately do?

2. What is Lily doing now? What project had Jacob Rose submitted that Lily and Hank got a grant for?

3. When Hank finally goes to see his father in his new house in Railton, what is Hank's reaction? How does he react to what his father says about the writer Charles Dickens?

4. How did Hank's father finally solve his problem? How does Hank assess this?

5. In the Epilogue, what does Hank tell the readers he is now doing?

6. Why was Hank's father offered such a desirable position?

7. What happens after Tony and Hank leave the restaurant? Where do they both end up?

8. Where do the professors gather for a party for Tony? Why are they having a party for him?

9. After Hank leaves his doctor's office, what are the series of events that ensue that involve his mother?

10. What does Hank notice as he leaves his mother in front of the Victorian house?

(see the answer keys)

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