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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. How did Hank's father get the dog?

2. What does Hank see, that he had bought when he was a boy, in his mother's basement when he is getting her suitcase for her?

3. In Chapter 6, Hank heads across campus to the cafeteria. What does he pass on his way there?

4. Who is the goose named after?

5. After meeting with Dickie Pope, Hank goes to see Bodie Pie. What is her position at the college?

Short Essay Questions

1. When Hank finally gets home, what is his daughter doing? What message does he find on his answering machine?

2. After visiting the duck pond, Hank heads to the cafeteria. Who does he meet there? What is Hank's history with this person? What do they talk about?

3. In the Prologue, how does Hank explain that his life was not easy as a child?

4. 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?

5. What does Hank say in the Prologue about his father's life after the arrival of the dog? What does he say about his relationship with his father?

6. 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?

7. The morning after Hank is hit in the nose at a staff meeting, he walks across campus and notices a construction site. What will this site be and what does Hank think about it?

8. When Hank gets home from the staff meeting, who is he greeted by? What does Hank find amusing about Teddy's reaction?

9. What is near the construction site that catches Hank's attention? What does he do?

10. Why is Hank under pressure from his department colleagues at the beginning of the book? What does this result in at a staff meeting?

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

What is "creative license"? When is it commonly used? When should it not be used? In what instances, giving examples, is it permissible to use it in fiction? Cite three examples from "Straight Man" where you believe creative license was used.

Essay Topic 3

How does the narrative of the Prologue in Book One explain Hank's relationship with his parents? Cite three examples from the Prologue that tells the reader something about the dynamics of the Devereaux family.

(see the answer keys)

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