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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. In the news clip about Harrison's speech, what does the toast celebrate?

2. Where do Ike and Fainy finally find work in Seattle?

3. Annabelle and Johnny begin to take _________________together.

4. What is the opening newsreel clip about?

5. What does Johnny do in his new job?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens on the train ride to Chicago that Mac takes?

2. What is the only question that Fainy asks about his job?

3. What does Ike do that leaves Mac stranded?

4. What does Johnny do for work, and why does he move to Ocean City?

5. What could Maisie have done to keep Mac in Los Angeles with her?

6. Why do the rancher and his wife not approve of Mac?

7. When Fainy accepts a job with Doc Bingham, what does he learn about his new place of employment right away?

8. After meeting Ben Evans, what does Mac decide?

9. What happens when Fainy and Bingham ride the train to Michigan?

10. Describe Mac's life as a child.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Janey and Ward are two of the main characters of the 42nd Parallel.

Part 1) What is their relationship? How do they coexist, and how do they interact? What is similar about them, and what is different?

Part 2) What are some events that Ward directly influenced? What are some events that Janey directly influenced?

Part 3) Which character offers support to other characters? Which one is stronger and why?

Essay Topic 2

The intimate relationships of men and women in the 42nd Parallel are complicated. Sex and love are associated often with power. Fidelity is questionable, and marriage is often a choice to accommodate pregnancy. What do you think of the relationships between men and women in the 42nd Parallel? Are they promising? Are they depressing? Are they realistic? Share your thoughts.

Essay Topic 3

The 42nd Parallel is an example of fictional realism. What does that classification entail? Why does this novel fit into this category? Explain.

(see the answer keys)

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