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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. The older of the two orphans think the couple is there to do what when Candy and Wally arrive in Chapter 5?

2. When Homer turns to Gray's Anatomy for additional information on the fetus in Chapter 5, the fetus information is where in the book?

3. Dr. Larch applies for an obstetrics position in his home town of what in Chapter 2?

4. In Chapter 4, Dr. Larch goes into Homer's history and writes it as if Homer has what to keep Homer from being drafted into the war?

5. Dr. Larch tries to get Candy alone to explain the procedure to her, and Homer escorts Wally outside in time to do what in Chapter 5?

Short Essay Questions

1. Where does Wally invite Homer to go with him in Chapter 5?

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

3. What is symbolic about Homer's naming of the baby in Chapter 4?

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

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

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

7. What imagery does the author use in describing Homer's walks from the girls' division at the orphanage in Chapter 3? What is symbolic about this imagery?

8. How do the characters of Homer and Wally relate in Chapter 4?

9. Why does Dr. Larch ask Homer to perform an autopsy in Chapter 5? What does Homer find?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Analyze and discuss the decision of Candy and Wally to have an abortion. How do each of the characters feel about this choice? Why does Wally attempt to talk Candy out of the procedure? What is Candy's response?

Essay Topic 2

Analyze and discuss the theme of fatherhood in the novel. Who, aside from Dr. Larch, exhibits this theme? How does this theme apply to Homer and Dr. Larch? Are their father/son feelings mutual? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Analyze and discuss the symbolism of Dr. Larch in the novel. What does Dr. Larch represent to Homer and the other orphans? How is he viewed by the nurses at the orphanage? What does Dr. Larch represent to the mothers who come to the orphanage?

(see the answer keys)

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