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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 did John Irving win the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay for his script "The Cider House Rules"?

2. What did Wilbur Larch contract as a result of his father's graduation gift?

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

4. When Homer reaches what age do the doctor and nurses fear he will learn about the abortions in Chapter 2?

5. In addition to being a drunk and unbeknownst to him and his family, Wally Worthing Senior has what disease?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Where does Dr. Larch send the prostitute's daughter in Chapter 2? What happens to her there?

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

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

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

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

8. Why does Dr. Larch keep the women having abortions separate from the women giving birth in Chapter 3?

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

10. How is Homer Wells described in Chapter 1? How is Homer viewed by Dr. Larch and the nurses?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe and discuss the settings of Heart's Haven and Heart's Rock and the history of the Worthington family. How do Heart's Haven and Heart's Rock differ from St. Cloud's, Maine? How is Wally Worthington, Senior described? What is his relationship with his wife like?

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

Describe and discuss the settings of Ocean's View Orchards and the cider house, and the character of Grace Lynch. To what does Homer compare the cider house? How does Homer feel about Grace? How does she feel about Homer?

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