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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 color does the green sea turn in the excerpt from Chapter 4 called "Homo Borealis"?

2. Of his father and of the old Indian that repaired the canoe, Howard says in Chapter 3, "My memories of them are" what?

3. The Zulu people that are mentioned in the novel are an ethnic group from where?

4. George reveals that he has an inscribed first edition printing of what novel in one of his safety deposit boxes in Chapter 4?

5. What book is cited with the description of the inner workings of a clock in Chapter 4?

Short Essay Questions

1. Where does Howard go to search for his father after Reverend Crosby's disappearance in Chapter 3?

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

3. How is Howard's death described in Chapter 4? What is this description juxtaposed against?

4. How does the theme of competition apply to the characters and relationship of George and Howard Crosby in Tinkers?

5. How has Howard managed to track down George's address in Chapter 4? What does he do when he locates George?

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

7. What characters are introduced during Howard's journey to search for his father in Chapter 3, Part 2?

8. How do George's memories of his father relate to the theme of rites of passage in Tinkers?

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

10. How would you compare the "disappearances" of Reverend Crosby and Howard Crosby in the novel?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Analyze and discuss the character of Gilbert in the novel. Other than Howard, who does Gilbert associate with? Where does Gilbert live? What similarities do Gilbert and Howard Crosby share? How are these characters different? What do you think that Gilbert’s character represents symbolically in the novel?

Essay Topic 2

Describe and discuss the nonlinear aspects of Tinkers. When and where in the story does the narrative go back and forward through time? Why does the author make these abrupt shifts? Why do you think the author chooses not to delineate the transitions in the narrative and time period?

Essay Topic 3

Examine the theme of heartache in Tinkers. How does Howard perceive the feelings of heartache and loss that he feels each day? How does George perceive these feelings within himself? What does it say about George and Howard that they perceive pain so differently?

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