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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. For what is Swen Kaufman known?

2. What position does Compton have in the Civil War?

3. What does Gunnar think his school does to race?

4. What was the original name of the Gun Totin' Hooligans?

5. What emotion does Swen inspire in the people around him?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is one of Gunnar's favorite past times from a young age and what is he known for among his friends?

2. What is Swen Kaufman's life story, according to Gunnar's mother?

3. Where have Gunnar and his family moved and what kind of neighborhood is it?

4. What does Psycho do to get Gunnar to dance and how does their time at dances often end?

5. What does Gunnar's elementary school emphasize?

6. What kind of work does Ludwig do and what may he unintentionally have done?

7. What happens when Gunnar is pushing his sister Nicole on the swing?

8. How does the Gun Totin' Hooligans decide to avenge Pumpkin and why is Gunnar involved? How does their plan work out?

9. What does Wolfgang Kaufman do in Nashville and why does he move to Chicago? What does he do in Chicago?

10. Why does Gunnar's mother send her children outside and where do they go? In what kind of condition is the place?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the following:

1. What is a plot? What are the most important elements of a plot and their definition? Do all novels have a plot? Why or why not?

2. Write a brief synopsis of the plot of The White Boy Shuffle, identifying where the various elements of the plot occur (Exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution or denouement). Do you find it difficult to identify the plot? Why or why not? What about the various elements of the plot?

3. Identify the major sub-plots and their elements in The White Boy Shuffle. (The subplots may not contain every element of a major plot). Do the sub-plots add to the main plot? Why or why not. Are the sub-plots interesting in and of themselves? Why or why not.

Essay Topic 2

The White Boy Shuffle could be said to be a "bildungsroman" of Esi. Discuss the following:

1. Define the concepts "bildungsroman" and "coming of age."

2. Thoroughly trace and analyze The White Boy Shuffle as a bildungsroman of Gunnar. Give specific examples. What does Gunnar learn? How has he changed? Is the change for the better?

3. Thoroughly trace and analyze The White Boy Shuffle as a black power story. Give specific examples. What does Gunnar learn? What does Nick learn? What would blacks say about Gunnar's actions?

Essay Topic 3

Setting as far as place and time play an important role in The White Boy Shuffle. Discuss the following:

1. Compare/contrast several aspects of the setting of that time, 1992 from how it would be today. Consider things such as cultural norms/expectations, technology, religion and medicine.

2. Do you think The White Boy Shuffle would be different if it were set in Europe? Consider the cultural differences as you discuss the way the story would change is set in the Europe.

3. Discuss some of the differences between the Los Angeles and Boston, as far as the relationship between blacks and whites. What are some similarities?

(see the answer keys)

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