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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. Why doesn't Paul want to leave school to visit with his mom?

2. Why is Sean embarrassed of Deirdre when she tries to talk to him at the cafeteria?

3. During what decade is this novel set?

4. What is the name of the man who sleeps with Deirdre at the Thursday party even though he is not interested in her?

5. Why does Lauren have sex with Judy's boyfriend?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Paul hesitant to meet his mother in Boston when she requests a visit?

2. What is the reaction of friends when word spreads that Tim has gotten Sara pregnant?

3. What is the significance of the quote "when the sun sets"?

4. Why does Lauren feel guilty about having sex with Franklin at a party?

5. What happens when the unnamed narrator of the novel decides that she would like to lose her virginity?

6. According to Sean's perspective of the evening, what happens when he leaves the party and goes back to Paul's house?

7. What type of mysterious letters are being dropped in Sean's mailbox, and who does he think the letters are from?

8. What happens when Victor meets some Yugoslavian men during his vacation?

9. How does Paul react when he hears that someone is dropping love notes in Sean's mailbox?

10. Who does Paul meet on the bus on the way to Boston?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Lauren's relationship with Vittrio is clearly a turning-point in her character's life. First, describe the character of Vittrio and how he and Lauren found themselves in a romantic relationship. Then, explain Sean's reaction to the news of Lauren's relationship with Vittrio. How did this affair alter their own relationship? Finally, explain how Lauren's relationship with Vittrio can be traced back to her childhood insecurities. What does this relationship tell the reader about the maturity of her character?

Essay Topic 2

When Paul is in Boston, he is reunited with an old flame, Richard. First, explain the history that Paul has with Richard and why he was excited to be sharing a room in Boston with his old friend. Then, explain how Paul and Richard treated each other upon their reunification. How did Paul's treatment of Richard compare/contrast to his treatment of Sean?

Essay Topic 3

At the end of the novel, Sean seems to have learned nothing from experience and does not seem to have matured. Is there any character in the novel who seems to have learned from past mistakes? Support your answer with specific details from the novel.

(see the answer keys)

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