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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 Theo travel from Las Vegas to New York in Chapter 6: “Wind, Sand and Stars”?

2. How old is Theo when he describes locking himself in a hotel room for over a week in the beginning of Chapter 1: “Boy with a Skull”?

3. Why does Theo say his father is indisposed when the Department of Child and Family Services calls in Chapter 2: “The Anatomy Lesson”?

4. What is the name of Pippa’s dog that is sleeping with her in bed when Theo meets her in Chapter 4: “Morphine Lollipop”?

5. Who does Theo’s mother plan to buy a gift for at the gift store before she is killed in Chapter 1: “Boy with a Skull”?

Short Essay Questions

1. Where is Theo being taken in the beginning of Chapter 3: “Park Avenue”? Why?

2. How does Theo describe the sexual undertones of his friendship with Boris in Chapter 6: “Wind, Sand and Stars”?

3. How would you describe Theo’s mindset when he arrives home in Chapter 2: “The Anatomy Lesson”?

4. What is the significance of the dream that is described by the narrator in Chapter 1: “Boy with a Skull”?

5. Who questions Theo once he returns to school in Chapter 3: “Park Avenue”? How is this scenario described?

6. How is the arrival of Theo’s father described in Chapter 4: “Morphine Lollipop”? Who accompanies Theo’s father when he arrives?

7. What information does Theo learn regarding his grandparents in Chapter 3: “Park Avenue”?

8. What does Theo learn about the red-headed girl in Chapter 4: “Morphine Lollipop”?

9. What fears occupy Theo’s mind as a young child, as illustrated in Chapter 2: “The Anatomy Lesson”? Why?

10. What psychological disorder does Theo’s father display the characteristics of, as seen in Chapter 2: “The Anatomy Lesson”?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the themes of aesthetic beauty and art in The Goldfinch. How is the value of art described and illustrated through the narrative? What does the painting The Goldfinch represent symbolically to Theo? Why? What characters in the novel appreciate art and aesthetic beauty?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the legalities of Theo’s situation following the death of his mother. Who would be the first person(s) in this situation to take guardianship of Theo? Why is Theo’s case complicated due to his father’ absence?

Essay Topic 3

Analyze and discuss the character of James Hobart in the novel. How old is Hobie when Theo meets him? What was Hobie’s relationship to Welty? How does Hobie differ from the other adult characters that Theo has encountered since his mother’s death?

(see the answer keys)

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