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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 does Benjamin NOT promise to continue doing, to get from his father what he has requested?

2. Who is convinced that Benjamin is a young boy?

3. In Chapter IV, the narrator states that not much of significance happens between which of Benjamin’s birthdays?

4. What does Dr. Keane tell Mr. Button that shocks Mr. Button?

5. How does the narrator describe Benjamin's height?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Mr. Button’s plan for his son, at the beginning of the story the story?

2. What is known about the Button family based on Chapter 1?

3. What is Mr. Hart’s reaction to Benjamin?

4. What dilemma arises when Benjamin is the meet his the Yale registrar, Mr. Hart?

5. Why is it fortunate for the Buttons that the Civil War breaks out?

6. What leads to Benjamin breaking something every day?

7. What would Benjamin rather do than play the part of a baby or small child?

8. How has Benjamin’s appearance changed by age 18?

9. What is significant about Benjamin turning 12?

10. How does Mr. Button react to seeing his son dressed in a suit?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Although no one has been born an old man, many have been born with other special needs. How can people today relate to this story and the challenges Benjamin faces? How do people today deal with special needs children? What support would exist today for Benjamin and his family that did not exist in 1860?

Essay Topic 2

There are varying reactions to Benjamin‘s rare condition. What are these reactions? How do they affect Benjamin? How do they make Benjamin‘s life more difficult but also make him stronger? What can the reader learn from this?

Essay Topic 3

Overall, how would you describe this book? Is it a tragedy? Is it sobering? Is it humorous? Why? Are there lessons that can be learned from it? If so, what are they? If not, why not?

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