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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. What night of the week is it in Chapter 8?

2. Who stops the fight in Chapter 7?

3. Alfred is told by the boys on his stoop that he has until how long to decide whether to help them in Chapter 8?

4. With whom does James go to rob the store in Chapter 1?

5. In Chapter 4, Alfred, his cousins and his aunt take the subway and a bus where to visit relatives?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Alfred act toward Mr. Donatelli in Chapter 3? What does he tell him is his motivation?

2. Why does Alfred not back down against the thugs in Chapter 8? How does he feel about this interaction?

3. What causes the raised tensions at the gym in Chapter 10? How does Alfred come to view the gym?

4. Describe the character of Alfred in Chapter 1. Where does Alfred live and what does the exposition reveal about his history?

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

6. What is juxtaposed against Alfred's home life in Chapter 4? What contrast is illustrated?

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

8. How does Alfred begin his workout at the gym in Chapter 6? What other trainers does he interact with?

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

10. What is Alfred's reputation at work like in Chapter 5? What internal conflict does he face?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Analyze and discuss the theme of racism in the novel. How does Alfred feel about the racial tensions around him? How important is race to the characters in the book? How is race seen differently in the different settings in the novel?

Essay Topic 2

Analyze and discuss the theme of family in the novel. How is family illustrated at Donatelli's gym? How is this theme expressed through symbolism in the narrative? How does Alfred relate to his family?

Essay Topic 3

Analyze and discuss the theme of escape in the novel. How does boxing represent escape for Alfred? What does escape mean to James? How does Alfred's need for escape evolve in the narrative?

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