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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. Oftentimes one will find _____ where it is least expected.

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

3. What hymn was often sung to Freddy and his brother?

4. The woman used to fascinate Freddy by playing with which item?

5. Which of these things is not mentioned as being absent from paradise?

Short Essay Questions

1. Discuss the scenario around the death of Freddy's father.

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

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

4. What is the common thread between Freddy's sudden departure, his father's death and "Gone With The Wind?"

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

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

7. In the author's mind, how does a person leave an indelible mark on another's soul?

8. How does Freddy carry this character into his future studies and beliefs?

9. What are Buechner's thoughts regarding adulthood and emotional maturity?

10. What situations have been faced by Grandma Buechner? What is the woman's personality?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Foreshadowing is used several times in the book. Point out the three strongest examples of foreshadowing used by the author. Explain each. Do you think the foreshadowing was intentional or did it happen as a matter of course? Discuss.

Essay Topic 3

Ever since the death of Freddy's father, the author has had a fear of suicide. Discuss the fear of suicide. Did Freddy have any concrete reason for the fear? Was it a childhood fear? Did the fear stay with Freddy throughout his life? How was it addressed? How did the family deal with the death? What about the experience made Freddy afraid that he was destined to follow in his father's footsteps? Also discuss the suicide of the uncle and how it affected Freddy and the rest of the family. Was Freddy correct in wondering if the propensity to commit suicide was hereditary?

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