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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 the Taft family do its first day in Memphis?
2. In Chapter 5, why does John state he is indebted to Ruth?
3. What is the primary reason for the Tafts' visit to Memphis in Chapter 6?
4. What do Ruth and John do after meeting in Chapter 6?
5. Where does Levon work as a night security guard?
Short Essay Questions
1. How is Levon Taft's life described in Chapter 5?
2. What does John imagine at the end of Chapter 4?
3. Describe John and Fay's first kiss.
4. How are Taft's feelings about race elucidated in Chapter 6?
5. What is the nature of Ruth and John's visit together in the midst of Chapter 6?
6. What do Marion and John discuss at the end of Chapter 5?
7. Describe John Nickel's experience at the Rum Boogie Cafe.
8. Where do John and Fay travel in Chapter 4?
9. Why does Levon Taft dislike his in-laws?
10. How does Ruth interact with Fay and John in Chapter 6?
Essay Topics
Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:
Essay Topic 1
The novel of "Taft" has a major character's death at the center of its narrative, and the ramifications of this death serve as a dire warning to the other characters. Write an essay about death and the fear of death in "Taft". How does Taft's death ripple through the narrative of the novel? How does its effect confirm John's fears about Franklin? What does he worry will happen if he disappears from his son's life?
Essay Topic 2
The novel of "Taft" is about two fathers and the children they fear losing. Each of the central figures is concerned that he is the only thing standing between his child and the dark, vicious world around them. Write a three-part essay about the children of these fathers and how losing a paternal figure affects them:
Part 1) Discuss the concerns that Levon Taft has for Fay. What does he worry Fay is not prepared for in the wide world? What plans does he make in his final days to bring her closer? What does Fay do after Taft's death to attempt to hold the family together? How does she crumble in the wake of the tragedy?
Part 2) Compare Carl's collapse after Taft's death to Fay's. How did her experience this tragedy differently? How was he already unpredictable? Discuss the depths to which Carl falls after his father's death, and where it ends?
Part 3) How does Franklin's life change after he is taken away from his father? How does John fear his son is in danger? Discuss the ways in which Franklin and John fear separation and fight to reunite through the novel.
Essay Topic 3
Write an essay about Patchett's portrayal of the modern Deep South in the novel. What is left of the specter of Jim Crow in the South? How do the remnants of segregation and racism manifest themselves in the narrative? Discuss how this nascent bigotry affects the character of John Nickel. Why does it make him more reticent to connect with Fay Taft? Is the city really as racist as he believes?
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This section contains 1,113 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) |
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