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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 song does Stuart dance to hoping to impress Paul?

2. On what holiday does Sean attempt to hang himself?

3. How many classes does Sean learn he is failing?

4. Where has Clay moved from when he relocates to Camden?

5. What is the theme of the party where Lauren and Sean meet?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Victor finally phone Lauren, and what is her reaction to the call?

2. Who is Richard Jared?

3. How has Richard changed from the last time Paul saw him when they were in high school?

4. How does Sean react to the news of Lauren's pregnancy?

5. Why does Paul abruptly leaves Boston?

6. What happens when Lauren finally confronts Sean about sleeping with Judy?

7. Why is Paul immediately annoyed with the hotel receptionist in Boston?

8. Why does Lauren think that Victor is dead, and how does she react to this news?

9. How does Lauren claim to know the truth about Sean sleeping with Judy?

10. What characteristics about Sean's personality starts to irritate Lauren after they have been dating for some time?

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 hears that his parents are getting divorced, he has two reactions: an initial reaction and a delayed reaction. First, describe the two reactions Paul has to the news of the divorce. Why do you think his reactions differ so greatly? Then, explain how the news of his parents' divorce affects the way Paul views the romances in his own life? Do you think the news of his parents' divorce muddles Paul's view of love or gives him greater clarity? Why?

Essay Topic 3

Describe the opening scene of the novel. Do you think it is an effective opening to the novel? Why or why not? What is accomplished in introducing all the characters at once in one raucous party scene? What is lost?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 951 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample