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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 is Benjamin's dilemma when he is to meet with the college registrar, Mr. Hart?

2. In Chapter II, how old does Mr. Button initially tell the store clerk his son is?

3. What does Mr. Button see upon entering the crying-room?

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

5. How is Mr. Button dressed the day his wife gives birth?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Dr. Keane treat Mr. Button?

2. What does Mr. Button do to try to convince others that his son is younger than he looks? Are these disguises convincing?

3. What leads Benjamin to deciding to attend Harvard?

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

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

6. How does Mr. Button respond when his son does not like the clothes he has bought him?

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

8. What is significant about Benjamin turning 12?

9. How does the author describe Mr. Button's behavior prior to the birth of his child?

10. What does Mr. Button have Benjamin do at age 18?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

When Mr. Button realizes his son is born an old man, how does he react? About what is he concerned? What does this reveal about him? How does he handle this new life with an unusual child? How does all this affect Benjamin?

Essay Topic 2

Why might F. Scott Fitzgerald have chosen to write this short story? What might have been his purpose in creating the character Benjamin? What do you think Fitzgerald wants the reader to get out of this book?

Essay Topic 3

What are groups of people today that would fall into a similar category as Benjamin back in 1860 - oddities that should be covered up and hidden? Although this story was written a century ago, how have things stayed the same regarding those who are different? How have things changed for the better for those who are different?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 777 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample