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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 Art respond when Cleveland tells Art he likes him?

2. In what season does the book take place?

3. Why did Mrs. Bellwether once beat the collie?

4. With what subconscious fear does Art live?

5. What is Art's goal?

Short Essay Questions

1. Where is Art working for the summer?

2. What is Art's perspective on his education and his upcoming summer?

3. How does the author use foreshadowing when talking about Art's interest in Arthur's homosexuality?

4. Describe this period of "dilated time" in Art's life.

5. What does Teddy's mother do when she discovers what the boys have done to Happy?

6. What two landmarks does Art mention as places he visits often?

7. What fantasy does Art employ when he is about to make love to Phlox for the first time?

8. Why is Phlox's fanciful personality so appealing to Art?

9. What is the first intimate interlude between Art and Arthur?

10. How does Art meet Phlox?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Create a character study of Cleveland. What are his physical characteristics? What are his motivations? What are his fears? What are his dreams? What else can you say about Cleveland?

Essay Topic 2

Explain the concept of loneliness as it exhibits in the story. Which of the characters are lonely? Are they all lonely in some way? Explain the loneliness and the methods and attempts to overcome it.

Essay Topic 3

What is the role of Cleveland's character in the book? Why did the author choose to insert him into the story? Do you think Art and the other characters are better off or not for Cleveland's presence in the story? Explain.

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