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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. Who calls Buechner shortly before dinner is served?

2. What type of hat did grandpa wear?

3. What type of furniture was referred to as being "ragged?"

4. Freddy's ideas may seem crazy yet they offer a sense of _____.

5. Who takes Buechner to lunch?

Short Essay Questions

1. Discuss the situation between Freddy and the minister. What was the purpose of the meeting?

2. How does Freddy view Naya? What do the woman and the boy have in common? What is special about the woman?

3. Examine Freddy's experience at the monastery. Did it turn out as planned?

4. How does the movement into adulthood help Freddy to understand that there are significant moments in one's life?

5. Explain what Buechner means by the phrase "beyond time."

6. How does Freddy compare Oz to a higher power?

7. What was Freddy's next step in finding answers to this new predicament?

8. The story about Naya foreshadows an issue faced by Buechner in years to come. What is the issue? Why does it occur?

9. Discuss the influence of Mr. Martin on Freddy. What does Freddy learn from Martin? What step does Freddy take next?

10. What did the author do after developing this new curiosity about Jesus and salvation?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Frederick Buechner's father committed suicide when the boy was ten years old and his brother Jamie was eight years old. Discuss the events leading up to Mr. Buechner's death. Discuss how it affected each of the boys. What is Freddy's initial reaction to the news? What is Jamie's initial reaction? What were the first steps taken by Kathy and/or Grandma Buechner? Also discuss the reactions of Kathy and Grandma Buechner when they learned about the death.

Essay Topic 2

There are often many differences between the personalities of the youngest and eldest child in a family, regardless of size. Discuss the differences between Freddy and Jamie. Compare and contrast the brothers. Examine how the boys view family life, their parents and grandparents, father's suicide and last effects of the tragedy.

Essay Topic 3

Examine Freddy's relationship with Grandma Buechner. What was the relationship between Grandmother and grandson? What about the grandmother's house gave Freddy a sense of security that could be found nowhere else? What was unusual about Grandma Buechner? Why did the family turn to her in a time of need? What was the relationship between Freddy's father and the grandmother? What was the relationship between Kathy and her mother-in-law? How did the woman continue to influence Freddy's life?

(see the answer keys)

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