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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. Alec believed the Harmonic Convergence does what?

2. When Jordan says he was not "rolling around like animals," (48) that is an example of what?

3. What perspective is "Yesterday Once More" told from?

4. The statement: "He was feeling weak, and this exercise was emotionally draining" (161) is an example of what?

5. What does Marielle have a vision of at the beach in "Talking to Myself and Feeling Old"?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Jordan's group chat called NANA's HUNGRY LITTLE PIE EATERS and who is Nana?

2. How did the friends meet and how old were they?

3. Why does Jordan want to return to Columbia; what does he think about the political state in Columbia versus America?

4. How would you describe Max and Marielle's relationship?

5. Why does Jordy refuse to go for a swim in "Talking to Myself and Feeling Old"?

6. Who was the first classmate that Jordan lost and what happened to him?

7. What is Jordan's job and current opinions on his field in "Yesterday Once More"?

8. Why is the restaurant named Nepenthe?

9. How does Naomi react when Marielle discovers her ring and why did her fiancé choose it?

10. What were Alec's post-grad plans?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss how the title "You're the Nearest Thing to Heaven That I've Ever Seen" (Jordy, 2023) is symbolic of the strength of Jordy and Jordan's relationship throughout the years. Consider Jordan's religious faith and his views on heaven. Furthermore, consider addressing the time period and the identification of Jordy in the parenthesis.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay arguing how Rowley's use of omniscient narration is necessary for the construction of his characters. What elements would be left behind if limited narration was used; which facets of the novel would no longer work? Why is it important that the reader has access to every person in the friend group's thoughts?

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay arguing for the necessity of a queer reading of this novel. Make sure to discuss elements that you believe can only be understood through the lens of queer theory. What elements of the novel would be missed using straightforward analysis?

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