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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. How does Dr. Keene seem when Mr. Button asks about his wife and child?

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

3. What does Mr. Button assume has happened, regarding his child and what he sees in the crying-room?

4. Before he hurries out of the hospital, for what does Mr. Button's son ask?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What leads Benjamin to deciding to attend Harvard?

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

4. What is the reaction the hospital staff regarding the birth the the Button's son?

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

6. Why does Mr. Button have difficulty buying his newborn son a suit?

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

8. What takes place when Benjamin is placed in kindergarten?

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

10. How does Benjamin’s grandfather’s attitude change towards his grandson?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

At around age 12, Benjamin starts to realize he is growing younger. How does this make him feel? How does this affect his father? How would you feel if you were him or his father? Why?

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

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?

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