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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. Which of the following is a composer whose work Phoebe practices?

2. Why does Phoebe quit the piano?

3. What lies across the river where John Leal is dropped off?

4. In what Chinese city did John Leal live?

5. Which of the following is not the name of one of Phoebe's sexual partners?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who is the female waitress where Will works?

2. What does Will do on New Year's Eve?

3. What piece of fruit does Phoebe's mother peel for her as she plays piano?

4. Why does Will ask for a promotion?

5. Where do Will and Phoebe reunite after their fight (in Chapter 13?)

6. What personal item of Phoebe's does John Leal look inside?

7. Where are Phoebe and her mother driving home from on the evening of the car accident?

8. What is the name of Will's hometown?

9. With whom does Will hold a research position?

10. Where does Phoebe go for winter break?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay on what it means to be religious from Will's perspective. In your essay, use specific evidence from the the text (from both sections narrated by Will as well as sections wherein others discuss him).

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay in which you discuss the effect of the author's narrative structure. The story is told from a combination of first-person and third-person narration, as well as from multiple perspectives. Analyze the author's decision to tell the story in this way. How does this narrative style contribute to the reading experience? Do you agree with this structure, or would another structure have been more effective?

Essay Topic 3

At the novel's conclusion, Will states that he will continue to look for Phoebe. Write an essay in which you argue whether you think Phoebe is still alive or not. Use evidence from the text to support your opinion.

(see the answer keys)

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