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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. The local man says they spend all their time trying to appear __________.

2. What would the name of their press be, according to Japhy's plans for he and Ray's future?

3. To what city do Ray and Japhy go to visit for a day?

4. What is the place where Ray will be staying in order to spot fires?

5. How many couples are at the party at Sean and Christine's house?

Short Essay Questions

1. For how long does Ray continue to meditate in the woods?

2. What does Japhy do with his girlfriend who tries to board the boat with him to Japan?

3. What does Ray realize about himself once he arrives at his summer job?

4. What does a local confide to Ray when the two become drunk together?

5. What does Ray realize during one of his meditations he is empowered to do?

6. What do Ray and Japhy do when they begin to get bored of the party?

7. As Japhy and Ray catch up a bit, what does Ray seem to feel about Japhy's demeanor?

8. What does Rheinhold Cacoethes do during the going away party for Japhy?

9. What realization does Ray have that truly makes him feel free?

10. How does Ray help his mother and her illness?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Within the friendship of Ray and Japhys lies gray area in which they are not as friendly as they seem, at times.

Part 1: Describe Ray's feelings towards Japhys throughout the novel. How do they change? What is the eventual feeling Ray has for Japhy?

Part 2: How might one describe the relationship between these two men?

Part 3: Does the relationship between these two men seem to be convincing? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

The spontaneous life of Ray is one that some readers admire and other readers abhor. The ability to move from one place to another, one idea to another is freeing and yet it creates the sensation of never being grounded.

Part 1: What are some examples of Ray's spontaneous way of life?

Part 2: How are Ray's beliefs also spontaneous? In what ways do his beliefs shift?

Part 3: Would you like to live the way Ray does? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

The theme of simplicity is another obvious idea that is tested and acknowledged as the story continues.

Part 1: What are Ray's ideas about simplicity? What are Japhy's ideas about simplicity?

Part 2: What are some examples of Ray and Japhy's adherence to simplicity?

Part 3: Why is living simply preferable to living any other way, according to these characters?

(see the answer keys)

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