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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. Before they leave for the fight, who tells Alfred that he talked to a doctor at the clinic in Chapter 19?

2. Where is Alfred's cousin possibly planning on going in Chapter 17?

3. In Chapter 18, Alfred is fighting whom?

4. What element of training does Alfred consider not an option because of his injury in Chapter 12?

5. What does James ask for from Alfred in Chapter 17?

Short Essay Questions

1. What information does Aunt Pearl reveal to Alfred when he returns home in Chapter 20?

2. Who is present at Thanksgiving dinner in Chapter 17? What is discussed regarding boxing at dinner?

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

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

5. What exchange does Alfred have with Aunt Pearl in Chapter 15?

6. How has the relationship between Alfred and Henry changed in Chapter 13?

7. What leads to Alfred's lapse in training in Chapter 12? What does he do instead?

8. How has working with Alfred changed Henry in Chapter 19? What does Henry reveal to Alfred in the chapter?

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

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

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

Analyze and discuss the actions and objectives presented in Chapter 12. Why does Donatelli press Alfred to retire? How has Alfred's feelings about boxing changed? Why does Alfred choose to leave behind his dreams?

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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