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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. Years ago, where did Paul admire a ruined temple with his son and a group of journalists?

2. What family member of Paul's wife used to have collies on the farm?

3. How old is Paul when he dies?

4. In Chapter 6, how old are Thea and Laurie?

5. In 1986 how many of Fenno's friends died of complications of AIDS within the past year?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why did Maureen kill two puppies in Chapter 2?

2. Where did Paul meet his wife?

3. How many dogs were left after Maureen died, and what happened to them?

4. What is Dennis's family like?

5. How did Ralph and Fenno happen to find Armand dead at one of his bistro tables?

6. Why did Mal ask Fenno to be his health proxy?

7. What is inside the envelope that Fenno finds addressed to him in his father's desk?

8. How long were Paul and Maureen married before they had children, and why did it take so long?

9. How was the bookstore doing a year and a half after Ralph and Fenno opened the shop?

10. What was a major expenditure in furnishing the bookstore, and why was it a wise investment?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Death is a catalyst in the novel. How does Paul’s death affect Fenno? What does Fenno learn about life, family, and love because of his father’s death?

Essay Topic 2

Fern’s friend Anna does not believe in fate, but destiny. What is the difference between fate and destiny? How does the author show that people are in charge of their lives, and that their choices lead them to the lives they are meant to have, rather than being at the mercy of fate?

Essay Topic 3

Fenno discovers that having family makes life worthwhile. When does Fenno begin to realize the importance of family? How does this realization affect him? In what ways does it change him and the way he lives life?

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