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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. In Chapter 2, Alfred wishes he could just stay in his bed until he is 18 when he can go do what?

2. There are three people on Alfred's stoop when he arrives home in Chapter 7. Who are they?

3. Alfred's boss tells him that he should quit boxing because times are different now, and boxers what?

4. Where is Alfred supposed to be going in the beginning of Chapter 1?

5. What profession did Robert Lipsyte's father hold?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. How is the fight described in Chapter 7?

4. What do Major and his gang tell Alfred when he arrives home in Chapter 8? What is Alfred's response?

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

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

7. Who is James with when Alfred finds him in Chapter 1? What are these characters like?

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

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

10. How does the author describe Madison Square Garden in Chapter 7? What are Alfred's impressions?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe and discuss the history of the sport of boxing. What exposure had Alfred had to the world of boxing prior to meeting Mr. Donatelli? What is Alfred's objective as a boxer? How does James feel about Alfred's boxing?

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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