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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 issue does Cal's mother struggle with?

2. Why does Leon say he cannot come watch the Shooting Stars finale with Cal in Chapter 21?

3. Why does Deb need more income in Chapter 27?

4. What is being launched into space in Chapter 18?

5. Who is the blurry recording of that is featured on the Shooting Stars finale in Chapter 21?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Kiara reveal on the Shooting Stars finale in Chapter 21?

2. What does Cal's mom say to him about fixing people or situations in Chapter 25?

3. What image is flashed on the screen during the rocket launch on Shooting Stars in Chapter 21? How does Cal react?

4. Who is Tori and why is she important in the narrative?

5. Who is the guest on the Shooting Stars' online content featured at the end of Chapter 23? What is the interview about?

6. Why does Leon feel upset at the celebration party in Chapter 17?

7. How have Deb's circumstances changed in Chapter 21?

8. What cassette tape does Cal find in his room in Chapter 25? What does it signify?

9. What does Cal decide to do in order to reconcile with Deb in Chapter 22? Why does he change his mind?

10. What news do Cal and Leon learn while they are out together in Chapter 16? What does this news mean?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the author's allusions to mythology in The Gravity of Us. What are some examples of Greek mythology that appear in the text? What do they reference, and how do these allusions relate to the plot and themes of the novel? How do they relate to the novel's characters?

Essay Topic 2

Describe and discuss three examples of irony in The Gravity of Us. What purpose does each example serve? Does the author point out irony directly? How does the author employ verbal, situational, and dramatic irony in the narrative?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the theme of queer love in The Gravity of Us. How is homosexuality/bisexuality perceived by the characters in the novel? Does Cal's relationship with Leon cause any outrage from their families or friends? What statements do you think the author is making about queer romance in this novel?

(see the answer keys)

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