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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. When Howard goes into the woods to look for his father in Chapter 3, what pond does he pass?
(a) Tagg Pond.
(b) Willow Pond.
(c) Merced Pond.
(d) Birch Pond.

2. What word in Chapter 3 refers to a repository for relics?
(a) Reliquary.
(b) Cantrell.
(c) Illuminant.
(d) Colloquialism.

3. What is the principle motif that reappears throughout Tinkers?
(a) School desks.
(b) Gloves.
(c) Diamonds.
(d) Clocks.

4. What is the first step in the excerpt called "How to Make a Bird's Nest" in Chapter 4?
(a) Take a wafer of tinker's tin.
(b) Take a piece of yarn.
(c) Take a piece of rotten cardboard.
(d) Punch holes near the base of the triangle.

5. What book is cited with the description of the inner workings of a clock in Chapter 4?
(a) Alice in Wonderland.
(b) The Old Man and the Sea.
(c) The Time of Finding Time.
(d) The Reasonable Horologist.

Short Answer Questions

1. For how long does Howard's mother insist he not speak in order for his tongue to heal after his first seizure in Chapter 3?

2. What word from Chapter 3 refers to a circle of the earth passing through the poles and the observer's zenith?

3. Where does George live in 1953?

4. How many triangles should you cut in order to make a bird's nest, according to the narrative in Chapter 4?

5. What does Howard witness a fish do as he sits in the pond watching the Indian in Chapter 3?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the last thing that George remembers before he dies in Chapter 4?

2. What is the significance of the title of Tinkers? Who does this term apply to in the novel?

3. What is implied in the conversation between George's wife and Charlie in Chapter 4, Part 1?

4. How would you describe the language style of Tinkers? Is the language easy to understand?

5. What is the principle motif used throughout Tinkers? What does this motif represent?

6. How are George's finances described in Chapter 4, Part 1? Why does George concern himself with his finances?

7. Who does Howard Crosby marry in Philadelphia? How is this character described?

8. How would you describe George's relationship with his family as he passes from life in Tinkers?

9. Where does Megan go during the Christmas holidays in 1953? What does Howard do after she leaves?

10. How does the theme of competition apply to the characters of Howard and Reverend Crosby?

(see the answer keys)

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