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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. Melony makes Homer promise that he will stay at the orphanage as long as what in Chapter 3?

2. What kind of car does Wally's father own in the novel?

3. What is the birth name of Wally's mother in the novel?

4. What is the name of the city where the orphanage is in "The Cider House Rules"?

5. What college did Wilbur Larch attend for his undergraduate degree?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Why does the prostitute's daughter come to Dr. Larch in Chapter 2?

3. What is the setting of the novel established in Chapter 1? During what time period does the novel begin?

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

5. In what ways do the characters of Olive Worthington and Dr. Larch relate in Chapter 4?

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

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

8. How is Homer's first meeting with Candy and Wally described in Chapter 5?

9. In what ways does the character of Dr. Larch symbolize God? How is this illustrated in Chapter 3?

10. What does the exposition reveal about Dr. Larch's past in Chapter 1?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe and discuss the laws against abortion in the U.S. during the 1920's and 30's. What risks did Dr. Larch face in performing illegal abortions? How dangerous were back-alley abortions at this time? What risks did the women who received abortions face?

Essay Topic 2

Describe and analyze the character of Homer Wells in the narrative. How old is Homer when he is introduced in Chapter 1? When was Homer brought to the orphanage? How many times is Homer adopted and why do his adoptive parents bring him back to the orphanage?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the theme of sexuality in the novel. How do Dr. Larch's first sexual experiences relate to those of Homer? How is sexuality perceived by the characters? What are the consequences of sexuality seen in the novel?

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