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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 is Brenda reminded of as she fights with Freda?

2. Who does Patrick think the Italian men will blame for Freda's death?

3. Where does Brenda plan to go to live after Freda's death?

4. What is the name of the destination?

5. What does Freda worry about asking Vittorio?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Patrick explain to Brenda regarding his culpability for Freda's murder?

2. What romantic thoughts does Freda have at the castle regarding Vittorio?

3. Who are the uniformed men in the park and what is their job?

4. How does Freda torment Brenda and what does the behavior remind Brenda of?

5. How doe Freda and Brenda prepare for the outing?

6. What does the group do with Freda's body and what are Brenda's continuing thoughts about her dead friend?

7. Describe the setting for the picnic at the castle.

8. What is the distressing situation regarding the van for the outing?

9. What plans does Mr. Paganotti have that distresses the workers?

10. How has the author brought the book full circle from how it began?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain the role of the poor workers in the mid-1970s when the men in the story are living their adult lives. What precedents do they feel compelled to follow? What restrictions do they have? What freedoms did they enjoy that 21st century men do not?

Essay Topic 2

The theme of struggling with personal identity is an important one in this novel. Describe how it extends through setting, character and issues and provide examples for each.

Essay Topic 3

Create a brief character study of Rossi. What does he look like? What are his positive personality traits? What are some of his negative characteristics? What are his hopes and fears? What motivates him--if anything--at this point in his life?

(see the answer keys)

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