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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 learns that he can finish school by doing what in Chapter 14?

2. Who drives Alfred and his aunt home in Chapter 17?

3. Who does Alfred discover paid for the robe he received in Chapter 19?

4. What does Alfred give James in Chapter 17?

5. Why does Alfred go to the gym in Chapter 12?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Alfred's confrontation with James in Chapter 20. What is the outcome of their exchange?

2. How does the fight end in Chapter 14? How does Alfred feel about it?

3. How does Alfred feel the day after the fight in Chapter 16? What happens at work?

4. What does Mr. Donatelli encourage Alfred to do in Chapter 18? Why?

5. How have Alfred's skills developed in Chapter 13? How has his character developed?

6. How does Mr. Donatelli feel about the fight in Chapter 14? What does his gift represent to Alfred?

7. How does Alfred exhibit discipline during the fight in Chapter 14?

8. How does Alfred feel when his friends encourage him to work with kids at the school teaching about boxing in Chapter 16?

9. How is Alfred's last fight described in Chapter 19? How does Alfred feel about the outcome?

10. What is Alfred's encounter with James like in Chapter 17?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Describe and analyze the characters of James, Sonny and Hollis in the novel. When did James befriend Sonny and Hollis? How does Alfred feel about these friends? How long have Alfred and James been friends? How is their friendship described?

Essay Topic 3

Describe and discuss the setting of the clubhouse. How does the clubhouse represent temptation for Alfred? Also discuss Alfred's actions in Chapter 11. What are the repercussions of Alfred's actions?

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