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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. Why does Taft stop working on the deck early in Chapter 5?

2. In Chapter 1, what does John Nickel say he will probably never do again?

3. In Chapter 5, what does Fay say she would have named her son?

4. How is Franklin hurt at the end of Chapter 1?

5. According to Fay in Chapter 4, what did her mother spend all day doing after Taft's death?

Short Essay Questions

1. In what state is Cyndi on the second night of Chapter 3?

2. Describe John Nickel's experience at the Rum Boogie Cafe.

3. How has John's relationship with the Woodmoores changed?

4. Why does John buy cigarettes in Chapter 5?

5. What is the nature of Ruth and John's visit together in the midst of Chapter 6?

6. What happened to the Taft family after the patriarch's death?

7. Where do John and Fay travel in Chapter 4?

8. What does John learn about Marion at dinner in Chapter 5?

9. What call does John Nickel make at work in Chapter 2?

10. How are Taft's feelings about race elucidated in Chapter 6?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In the insular world of Memphis as represented in this novel, many individuals have opinions regarding John's personal life. In particular, the Woodmoore family insinuates itself into his relationship with Marion. Write an essay about each of the Woomoore family-members's opinions. What does this person think John should do regarding his ex-wife? Why is this opinion held, and how does the character express the opinion to John over the course of the novel?

Part 1) Mr. Woodmoore.

Part 2) Mrs. Woodmoore.

Part 3) Ruth.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the theme of innocence and experience in the novel, focusing on the characters of Fay and Carl Taft. How are the characters unaware of danger and vice before the death of their father? What silly and foolish mistakes do they make before this tragedy? How do these follies transform into dangerous and destructive activities after Taft's death? Why do these children become less heedful of their own safety after they lose a parent?

Essay Topic 3

Throughout much of Ann Patchett's "Taft", John Nickel has to choose between his individual desires and his duty to family. Write a three-part essay about this continuous struggle, focusing on three moments when it became apparent to him:

Part 1) When John Nickel first met Marion Woodmoore, what did he want out of life? Discuss how these personal objectives lead to his leaving of Marion in her most vulnerable time. What has to occur in John's life before he can accept his responsibilities?

Part 2) Discuss John's sense of duty to Carl Taft. At what point does John determine he needs to protect Carl, and what is his logic? What trajectory does this take? How does John increasingly put himself in danger in protecting the boy?

Part 3) What sacrifice does Mrs. Woodmoore ask John Nickel to make in the final chapter of the novel? Why is this sacrifice difficult and why is it necessary? What indication is there at the end of Taft that John will make the sacrifice?

(see the answer keys)

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