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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 Carl do immediately before John kicks him out in Chapter 8?

2. What does Fay ask John at the very beginning of Chapter 9?

3. What does the doctor suggest to Marion at the end of Chapter 11?

4. Which of the following is in Carl's pocket when John interrogates him in Chapter 8?

5. What is special about the day Chapter 9 takes place on?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Wallace tell John about Carl in Chapter 8?

2. How does John anger Ruth at the beginning of Chapter 7?

3. What do John and Franklin do together at the end of Chapter 8?

4. What assessment does the mechanic in Chapter 10 make regarding Taft's car?

5. Describe John and Fay's interaction in Chapter 7.

6. What does Fay ask John at dinner in Chapter 9?

7. Where does John go to recuperate in Chapter 12?

8. Why does Taft ask his children to stay home Friday night?

9. What difficulty do John and Fay face in bailing Carl out in Chapter?

10. How does Marion's friend, the doctor, help John in Chapter 11?

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 narratives of "Taft" take place in two towns: Memphis and Coalfield. In an essay, compare the way that these two towns are portrayed in the novel. What abstract ideas and movements are represented by the towns? How does Patchett forge a tone in the novel for each of these settings? Discuss the characters that come from each town. How are their objectives and values similar and different? Do they come into conflict?

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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