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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. When Homer is how old does Dr. Larch assign him to read to the girls at the orphanage?

2. As a graduation gift from high school, Wilbur's father bought him what?

3. In Chapter 5, the wind is picking up in St. Cloud's and awakens the stationmaster, who thinks it is what?

4. When was John Irving born?

5. What is Homer's last name in the novel?

Short Essay Questions

1. Discuss the symbolism and foreshadowing in Chapter 4. What is foreshadowed by Candy's pregnancy?

2. Where does Dr. Larch decide to go when leaving Boston in Chapter 2? Who invites him to a party and why, in this chapter?

3. How does the author describe Wilbur Larch's early life in Chapter 2? What led to Wilbur's sexually transmitted disease?

4. What is foreshadowed about the life and career of Dr. Larch in Chapter 2?

5. What is ironic about Wilbur's parents in Chapter 2? How is Wilbur's career shaped by his encounter with the prostitute?

6. How is the atmosphere described in the beginning of Chapter 5? What is symbolic in this description?

7. In what ways is St. Cloud's symbolic? How does the author establish this in Chapter 1?

8. What causes Homer's first two adoptive families to return him to the orphanage in Chapter 1?

9. What is Dr. Larch's reaction to Homer's leaving the orphanage in Chapter 5? What is foreshadowed?

10. Who helps Wally and Candy arrive at the orphanage in Chapter 5? What impression do these characters have?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Analyze and discuss foreshadowing in Chapter 5 and Homer's decision to go with Wally and Candy in the novel. What does Homer hope to gain from the experience? What can be seen in the discussion between Wally and Homer?

Essay Topic 2

Analyze and discuss the symbolism of the cider house rules. Why does the author use this as the title of the novel? What is significant about these rules? What is Homer's reaction to the rules? Also discuss racial relations during the time period in the novel. Where do the apple pickers live during the off season? In what ways are they segregated from the white population?

Essay Topic 3

Describe and discuss Melony's decision to run away from the orphanage and her theft from Mrs. Grogan. How does Melony feel about this action of deceit? What are the reactions of Dr. Larch and Mrs. Grogan after Melony's disappearance? How does Mrs. Grogan react to her money being stolen?

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