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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. The region is a fictional place created by which author?

2. Buechner compares theology to which of the following?

3. Who made a special trip to join the family for the day?

4. The author recalls snacking on ____ chocolate and French bread.

5. What was the name of the book?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Buechner refer to the exact moment when time begins to exist for him?

2. Discuss the presence of Grandma Buechner. How close is the family to the grandmother?

3. Did Buechner leave a suicide note? If so, where was it left and what did it say?

4. Discuss the reference Buechner makes to Dylan Thomas. Which poem is mentioned? What is the theme explored by Buechner?

5. What is Freddy's opinion regarding the memories of the dead?

6. What is the first sign that the world is not always a safe place for little Freddy?

7. Discuss the duplicity of Freddy's father and how it affects the child.

8. What is Buechner's reference to Eden regarding childhood mentality?

9. Who is Frederick Buechner? Why is this book important?

10. What was the purpose of writing a memoir at such a young age?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the time the Buechners spent in Bermuda. Why did Mrs. Buechner take the family to Bermuda? Who went along? Where in Bermuda did the family stay? Was it intended to be a vacation or a permanent move? What were the opinions of the three grandparents? What was Kathy's reasoning for the trip? How did the family react to their new surroundings? How long did they stay? What prompted the move to North Carolina? What about the time in Bermuda stayed with Freddy? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

Examine the concept of memories of the dead. Freddy has definite opinions about the memories of the dead, including the fact that they can grow and change thereby changing each person. Explain the concept of a person changing after death. How can a dead person change? Does the person only change to those that hold their memories? How does the author explain it? Do you agree or disagree? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

From early on, Freddy seems to have no clear concept of religion or God. Examine Freddy's early beliefs. Why does Freddy not believe in God? What are the family's religious leanings? Does the family go to church? When is Freddy confirmed? How do other family member's beliefs affect Freddy? What are the beliefs of the others in the family? What about Naya's beliefs is interesting to Freddy? What is the first sign that Freddy might be changing his views? Explain.

(see the answer keys)

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