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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. Alfred goes into his apartment feeling what at the end of Chapter 8?

2. What is the name of Alfred's boss at his job?

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

4. Where did Robert Lipsyte grow up?

5. What caused the limp that Henry has in the novel?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

9. 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?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe and discuss heroin and addiction in the novel. Who introduced James to heroin in the novel? How has the relationship between Alfred and James evolved in the narrative? How long have Alfred and James known one another?

Essay Topic 2

Analyze and discuss the strategies employed in Chapter 16 in the ring. How does Alfred feel about his victory? How does Alfred demonstrate discipline in the fight? What does Mr. Donatelli think of the outcome of the fight?

Essay Topic 3

Describe the setting of Jamaica, Queens, and the characters of Wilson and Alfred's aunt. How close is Alfred to his extended family? How does this setting differ from Harlem? How does Aunt Pearl feel about her extended family?

(see the answer keys)

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