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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 Hank do with what he finds on a shelf in Pope's office?

2. How did Hank try to convince his parents to get a dog?

3. What did Hank's mother want him to do in exchange for allowing him to have a dog?

4. What is the name of Hank's daughter's husband?

5. What does Herbert Schonberg want Hank to do?

Short Essay Questions

1. After having lunch at the bowling alley, Hank goes to see his mother, but first visits with Mr. Purty. Who is Mr. Purty and what does he give Hank?

2. What is the narrator, Hank's, full name and what is his occupation? Where does he work?

3. After meeting with his colleagues and before Hank leaves his office to go home, Hank looks around his office and reminisces about his stint as interim chair. What is his assessment?

4. Hank's news item is aired on television and he becomes something of a local hero to his colleagues. What is the first place Hank goes to that night? What is bothering him?

5. What events transpired after the dog arrived at the Devereaux home?

6. Who is driving Hank home and what do they pass on their way? Where does Hank live?

7. When Hank gets home from his visit to Julie, he has a conversation with Billy Quigley. What are Billy's characteristics and what is the conversation about?

8. Who does Hank meet at the local bowling alley for lunch? What do they talk about?

9. Who is Bodie Pie? What is the result of Hank's meeting with her?

10. What kinds of thoughts does Wheemer generate in Hank?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

State the theme of "Straight Man". How is the theme of the story reflected in the conflicts and challenges Hank Devereaux experiences during one week at Railton College? Give four examples with an explanation for each one.

Essay Topic 2

Straight Man is a first person narrative, told from William Henry Devereaux (Hank)'s point-of-view. Briefly explain how the first person narrative is effective and how it is limited. Give four specific examples that show how the novel is effective being told from Hank's point of view, and how our understanding and appreciation of the novel's scenes are enhanced.

Essay Topic 3

What role does the Devereaux family play in the novel "Straight Man"? Are they as important to the narrative as the author and the environment he is in? Give four examples where the four different members of the family are central to the story-telling. Give four examples where the narrative is focused only on Hank and the environment he works in.

(see the answer keys)

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