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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 was Goolrick the first May Day play?

2. What did Goolrick's father stop doing nearly entirely?

3. What costume did Goolrick and his brother love as children?

4. What does Goolrick grow to despise?

5. What does George threaten to do?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Goolrick make clear in this chapter about his grandmother?

2. Explain that pageants of Mrs. Lackman's classes.

3. What seems to be Goolrick's primary premise in "How I Went On"?

4. Explain what happened to Goolrick when he was four years old.

5. Describe the creek and explain why it is "violently sexy".

6. Summarize Goolrick's experiences during kindergarten and first grade.

7. Describe why Goolrick was compelled to masturbate, in terms of how it made him feel and how it allowed him to escape.

8. Describe Mrs. Lackman's son.

9. Describe Goolrick's reply to George's threat.

10. Explain Mrs. Lackman's process for bathroom breaks, and why it doesn't work with the children.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Choose one of the following characters who was aware of the molestation of Goolrick and discuss, in detail, how the character knew, how they reacted, what they should have done, and possible reasons for their behaviors. This examination is to be in depth. Use information gleaned not only from "Such Charming Hands" but from the explanations in the rest of the novel of the person's everyday characteristics.

-Father

-Mother

-Grandmother

-Goolrick

Essay Topic 2

In addition to Goolrick's sexual deviancy, he also developed a severe drinking and drug habit, and eventually, a cutting habit. Explain these addictions in detail. What events led to the origin of the addiction. What feelings did Goolrick associate with the behavior? How did this lead to an addiction? How did the cutting help Goolrick feel as though he were in control? Do you think Goolrick can ever regain control of his emotions and his life? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

When Goolrick's father dies, Goolrick admits he had planned on feeling relief, but instead felt grief. Why do you think Goolrick felt anything, considering what his father did to him? What do you think Goolrick was likely truly grieving for? Based on the final chapter of the novel, how did Goolrick feel about his father? Was he a monster? Why or why not? Did Goolrick hate him, or feel sorry for him? Why? How do you think you would have felt in his situation?

(see the answer keys)

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