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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 is the person who called after the head of campus security, calling Hank about?

2. Who tells Hank that she has something she wants to tell him about Tony Coniglia?

3. How does Hank try to get in touch with his son-in-law the morning after his night in jail?

4. Early Monday morning, Hank gets a call from the head of campus security. What is his name?

5. Whose house does Hank go to the morning after his night in jail?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the result of Hank's visit to his doctor's office? What does the doctor, Phil Watson, tell him?

2. What are Hank's Prologues to Book One and Two about, and where are they published? What is his mother's reaction to his writing?

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

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

5. Russell goes along to the party for Tony, and tries to get Tony's computer to work, without success. While this is going on, a large group of the professors get stuck in the room, and cannot seem to be able to figure out how to get out. What is Hank's observation on this?

6. What has happened to Hank's father and mother, according to the Epilogue?

7. Where does Hank go after he visits Paul Bourke's place? What happens there that upsets Hank?

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

9. What happens while Hank is up in the office building ceiling?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Dialogue often serves to reveal characters and their traits, as well as events. It is often used as an alternative to exposition. How is dialogue used as a literary technique to move a narrative along, and specifically how is it utilized in Straight Man? Cite, in detail, one example of how dialogue is used effectively in the novel.

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

Conflict is a common element of writing, in both fiction and nonfiction. Why is conflict so often used in narratives? How can it help add interest to a narrative? Give four examples where conflict in "Straight Man" occurs and how the examples helps explain the dynamics of one week in the life of Hank Devereaux. Include and identify at least one of each type of conflict that occurs in the novel.

(see the answer keys)

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