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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. Where did Bogus and Biggie stay for the summer?

2. To which creature in the aquarium does Bogus relate?

3. Why was Biggie turned away at the grocery?

4. How did Bogus tell his father he pays the bills?

5. How does Bogus feel about his truck?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Bogus's fascination with Mr. Fitch.

2. How did Bogus's tone change from letter to letter?

3. Give a physical description of Ralph Parker.

4. What is the difference between Bogus and Colm?

5. Explain what Bogus thinks disappeared with Merrill and how the two are related.

6. How did Bogus violate the girl in the country?

7. How did the dictionary symbolize Bogus's work ethic in life?

8. How did Bogus's letter to Biggie differ from his daily interactions with her?

9. What offer does Tulpen make to Bogus? What reasoning does Tulpen give for her offer?

10. How did Bogus describe Biggie's femininity upon meeting her?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Focusing on the theme of generational conflict, analyze the ties between Mr. Trumper, Bogus, and Colm. How does Bogus's sexual past enter into his relationship with Mr. Trumper? Further down the family tree, how does that relationship help or hinder the relationship between Bogus and Colm?

Essay Topic 2

In what ways does Ralph Parker's film title take on a double meaning? How could this title, and the film itself, be a commentary on the society at large? Has the situation improved or declined since the book's publication? Support your opinion with the text.

Essay Topic 3

How does the Water-Method man relate to or express the conflict of society during the time the novel was written? Cite at least three examples from the book.

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