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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 was author Robert Lipsyte born?

2. Who cheers Alfred on as he runs in the morning in Chapter 9?

3. In Chapter 4, there is a speaker on the street corner telling the black people to do what?

4. In Chapter 6, Alfred bounces up the stairs to the gym and he doesn't see Mr. Donatelli or whom?

5. What is the name of Mr. Donatelli's assistant in the novel?

Short Essay Questions

1. Where does Alfred wake up after being beaten in Chapter 2? Who is with him?

2. In what ways has Alfred overcome obstacles and fears in Chapter 6?

3. What does Alfred do when the boys go to rob the store in Chapter 1? Where and why does he go to look for James?

4. What does Alfred recall about his childhood and James in Chapter 7?

5. How does Alfred feel about the actions of James in Chapter 1? Why?

6. How does the author show the differences of the world of television from Alfred's life in Chapter 2?

7. Who intercepts Alfred on his way home following the robbery in Chapter 1? What news does Alfred learn?

8. Where is Alfred in the beginning of Chapter 1? Where does he go to look for James? How does Alfred feel about James?

9. When does Alfred wake and leave the apartment in Chapter 2? Who does he encounter on his way out?

10. How does Alfred's relationship with Henry develop in Chapter 7?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe and analyze the characters of Henry, Bud and Red in the novel. How does Alfred relate to each of these characters? What is symbolic about the relationships of the characters? How do these relationships evolve?

Essay Topic 2

Describe and analyze the setting of Madison Square Garden. How big is the arena? What are Alfred's impressions of the setting? Also discuss the characters Alfred meets at the arena in Chapter 7. How important are these characters in the boxing world?

Essay Topic 3

Describe and analyze Alfred's relationship with Aunt Pearl in the narrative. How close is Alfred to his aunt? What is his relationship with his cousins like? How long has Alfred lived with his aunt and why?

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