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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 much does the mechanic quote Taft for the damage in the beginning of Chapter 10?

2. In Chapter 8, Wallace reveal Carl to be what?

3. Why can John not sleep in his bed in Chapter 7?

4. In Chapter 9, Carl says he was arrested in the parking lot of what?

5. Where do John, Marion and Franklin meet for breakfast in Chapter 8?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Mrs. Woodmore request of John in Chapter 12?

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

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

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

5. Why is John deeply gladdened by his morning with Marion and Franklin in Chapter 11?

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

7. How does Taft die in Chapter 12?

8. What is John's catharsis at the end of Taft?

9. Describe Taft's interaction with Tommy Lawson's son in Chapter 10?

10. Why is Taft shaken by the site of Carl's accident in Chapter 10?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

Romance in the novel is both a powerful force between characters and also one that is overcome by other types of love. Write an essay about the way romance is portrayed in "Taft". How does John Nickel fall in love with women in different and abandoned way? How do these romances fall apart? Discuss the motivations John has to leave the women that win his heart. What is more important to him in life?

(see the answer keys)

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