View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. In Chapter 7, why does John think the crowd is larger than normal?

2. Who holds John's neck throughout most of Chapter 11?

3. At the beginning of Chapter 11, what does Franklin say he wants to be when he grows up?

4. How much does the mechanic want to simply patch the car up in Chapter 10?

5. Where does Carl call Muddy's from in Chapter 9?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. When does Fay surprise Taft in Chapter 10?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

10. How do Carl and John bond in Chapter 7?

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

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?

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?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,253 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample