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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 one thing about Gunnar that shocks a young black man Gunnar stops for directions?

2. For what does Gunnar say he has been conscripted?

3. What does Nick do after Gunnar's speech?

4. What happens after more children arrive at the swings?

5. What surprises the school receptionist about Gunnar's arrival at school?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Where does Gunnar's father work, what does he do and what does Gunnar notice when he visits his father at work?

4. With whom does Gunnar make friends during his first semester at his new school and what does he choose in his second semester schedule?

5. What is at the top of the hill from Gunnar's neighborhood?

6. What does Gunnar think about his school's emphasis and what does he say contradicts the school's sensitivity?

7. With whom has Gunnar become friends in the three years in his new neighborhood and why can he walk unafraid there? What is one of the disadvantages of one of his friends?

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

9. Why does Gunnar's mother suggest her children should go to a black school?

10. With what coach does Gunnar develop a relationship and how did the coach learn to play his sport?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Characters are an integral and important part of almost all novels. Discuss the following:

1. Compare/contrast the characters of Gunnar from the beginning of the book to who he is at the end of the book. How are they similar? How are they different? Which person do you like more? Be specific and give examples.

2. Compare/contrast the characters of Nick and Psycho Loco. How do they seem different? Which do you like more? Why? Which one seems more of a well-rounded character?

3. Thoroughly analyze how three of the secondary characters in The White Boy Shuffle who help drive the plot and what their contribution is to the storyline. Are any of the secondary characters unnecessary? Indispensable? Which of the secondary characters are likable? Which are either unlikable or even despicable? Be specific and give examples.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss one of the following:

1. Thoroughly analyze how the setting informs the plot in The White Boy Shuffle.

2. Trace and analyze one major theme of The White Boy Shuffle. How is the theme represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

3. Trace and analyze two secondary themes of The White Boy Shuffle. How are the themes represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

Essay Topic 3

Choose one of the following to discuss:

1. Choose two significant symbols and trace and analyze their appearance in The White Boy Shuffle. Are these universal symbols? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other symbols that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think Beatty chooses the symbols he does? Do you think Beatty consciously decides upon the symbols to represent various elements of The White Boy Shuffle? Why or why not.

2. Choose two important metaphors and trace and analyze their appearance in The White Boy Shuffle. Are these universal metaphors? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other metaphors that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think Beatty chooses the metaphors he does?

3. Discuss Beatty's use (or lack ) of literary device (such as foreshadowing, clifthangers, deux ex machina, etc...), and how they add or detract from the story. Does Beatty use too many or too little literary techniques? State to which of the five major elements of fiction the literary device is related (style, character, plot, setting, theme).

(see the answer keys)

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