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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 is the name of the movie Richard is watching with Bunny the night of the bacchanal?

2. What excuse does Henry give to Bunny for leaving the apartment when Bunny drops in after returning from Italy?

3. How does Henry react to Bunny's discovery when he finds Bunny sitting at his desk?

4. What shocking thing does Richard see when he enters Prof. Morrow's office on the first day of class?

5. When Richard confronts Henry and asks where the group has been, what does Henry tell him about the group?

Short Essay Questions

1. Charles and Camilla tell Richard about Henry's education. What does Richard learn about Henry in this conversation? Why is he surprised?

2. How and why does Richard end up at Hampden College? How does he get to the college from his home?

3. Who is dead at the opening of the book? Why does the author begin his story this way? What do we know about the dead boy in the opening paragraphs of the book?

4. Why does Henry take Bunny to Italy? Does his plan work? How does Bunny behave in Italy?

5. What happens to Henry in Italy? How does Bunny react to his friend's problem?

6. When Richard goes to meet with Julian to talk to him about misgivings he is having about his academics, who does he find talking with Julian? What are the two saying?

7. Why is Hampden College closed in January and February? Where do students go during this time? In what position does this situation put Richard?

8. What do Francis and Henry tell Richard about Bunny's behavior since the murder? How is Bunny treating the members of the group, and how are they responding?

9. Richard engages in risky behavior for winter living, and his life begins to deteriorate. Why does this happen to Richard? Is he aware of the dangerous living situation he is in? Why does Richard refuse to ask for help?

10. What arrangements does Richard make for winter break? Where does he go to find help? What does he find when he moves into his new place?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In this novel, the lines between protagonist and antagonist are blurry. Who do you consider to be the protagonist(s) in the story? The antagonist(s)? Support your position.

Essay Topic 2

While talking to Richard, Julian makes the statement "with young people, you never can tell." What does this expression mean about young people in general and the characters in this novel specifically?

Essay Topic 3

"It was the most important night of my life. It enabled me to do what I've always wanted to do, to live without thinking." Which character says this, and why? What does he mean?

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