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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. What is Howard's mother doing when he returns from the woods after having his first seizure in Chapter 3?
(a) Speaking with the police.
(b) Darning socks.
(c) Talking to her mother on the phone.
(d) Reading the newspaper.

2. What part of a clock is described in Chapter 4 as "where the energy generated by the mainspring finally escapes the clock"?
(a) The escapement.
(b) The pinion.
(c) The going train.
(d) The gathering mallet.

3. What word used by Howard in Chapter 3 refers to a disgrace or humiliation?
(a) Catharsis.
(b) Indignity.
(c) Compliment.
(d) Epiphany.

4. Of his father and of the old Indian that repaired the canoe, Howard says in Chapter 3, "My memories of them are" what?
(a) Dreamlike.
(b) Atmospheres.
(c) Dissipated.
(d) Regrettable.

5. What kind of car is Nikki Bocheki driving when he visits George in Chapter 4?
(a) A red Alfa Romeo.
(b) A black Rolls Royce.
(c) A mint-green Cadillac.
(d) A blue Jeep.

Short Answer Questions

1. Approximately how old is George as he lay dying in the novel?

2. What kind of wood was Howard's father's canoe made from that he recalls in Chapter 3?

3. How many men are waiting outside when Howard's father is taken away in Chapter 3?

4. Who does Howard believe the Indian to be that he sees in the pond in Chapter 3?

5. What does Howard's mother cook for breakfast the morning after Howard's father has been taken away in Chapter 3?

Short Essay Questions

1. When is the last time George awakens before he dies? What does he relate after awakening?

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

3. How did Howard's loss of his own father later influence his actions with his wife and children?

4. What alias does Howard Crosby take on after he leaves his family? Where does he go?

5. What regret does Howard display regarding his father in the beginning of Chapter 3?

6. Whom does George ask for when he awakens in Chapter 4, Part 1? Who is sitting with George?

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

8. Who comes to visit George in the opening of Chapter 4? What does this character do during her visit?

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

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

(see the answer keys)

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