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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. How does Toby feel about the information he writes on his letters of recommendation and transcripts?

2. Dwight really got the dog:

3. After Rosemary and Toby talk about Toby's remaining tuition, Rosemary looks like she has dropped a burden. It is unclear if she is talking about:

4. How does Dwight react when he learns Toby may move to Paris?

5. How does Dwight react when a friend of Rosemary's tells her he will get her a job out east?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Dwight do with Toby's gun in Chapter 4 and why?

2. At the tailor, Toby is surprised to see that he looks hopeful. How is this different from other points in the book? What does Toby tell himself?

3. How does Toby feel about his fight with Arthur? How does Dwight feel? How does Rosemary feel?

4. Why is Chuck pressured to marry Tina Flood?

5. Do you think Rosemary did the right thing when she separated her sons? Provide specific examples in your answer.

6. What do Toby's friends want to do for him? How successful are they?

7. What is notable about the clothes the Howards purchase for Toby? What is ironic about the situation?

8. Why does Arthur tell lies? What lies does he tell? Why doesn't Toby say anything when he knows the things Arthur says aren't true?

9. Describe a smoker.

10. Why does Geoffrey think Toby can get a scholarship from a prep school? What efforts does Toby make to be accepted by a prep school?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

When he applies to prep schools, Toby fakes transcripts and letters of recommendation. His lies do not help him, and every school rejects him. How does this reflect Toby's life? What does this suggest about the success of his actions in other parts of his life? Cite a specific example of a time when telling the truth would have served Toby better than lying, and explain your choice.

Essay Topic 2

Detail the chain of events that lead to Toby's invitation to Paris. What is required of Toby before he can go? How do the people in Toby's life react to the news? In your opinion, why does Toby decide not to go to Paris? Include specific examples to support your reasoning.

Essay Topic 3

Toby returns to his house one night while Pearl and Dwight are away. What does he find there? How does this reflect who Toby is? What does Toby do before he leaves the house? Why does he do this, and what do his actions signify?

(see the answer keys)

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