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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. Which word is not used when regarding Grandmother's stubborn traits?

2. The author refers to the moves that took place during which time period?

3. What is the nickname for Buechner's brother?

4. What was Freddy's favorite place to visit as a child?

5. Buechner says the voice of the man downstairs was fruity and _____.

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. Who is Mrs. Taylor? What was her relationship to Freddy?

5. What does Freddy most admire about Grandma Buechner? How does Freddy view the relationship between mother and daughter-in-law?

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

7. What came out of this experience regarding the noise in a person's every day life?

8. What is Buechner's advice to his readers?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Freddy exhibits mental instability while he was in the army. What is your opinion on the issue? Was Freddy simply scared of the orders, or were there other factors at work? Do you think the meltdown experienced by Freddy was caused by the situation or was it residual from his childhood? What was the reaction of the commanding officer? What happened to Freddy after he broke down? How did it affect his career? Was Freddy ordered to get help? 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

Examine Freddy's early writing career. What got Freddy started on the path to becoming a writer? Who were his influences? What type of writing did Freddy want to undertake? What was the outcome of the effort? What changed Freddy's direction? What did other people say about the work? Was Freddy encouraged or discouraged? What was Mr. Martin's role in the process?

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This section contains 885 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample