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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 is the principle motif that reappears throughout Tinkers?

2. The narrator says in Chapter 4, "The escapement on a clock consists of a collar on a pinion, called" what?

3. What word used in Chapter 3 means characterized by low buffoonery?

4. What word used to describe the Indian in Chapter 3 means relating to a former or more primitive type?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

7. What is epilepsy? How was this disorder treated in the 1920s/1930s?

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

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

10. How does Howard's medical condition change after he moves away and begins living under an alias?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the symbolism and imagery depicted in George’s building of the funeral pyre for the dead mouse in Chapter 2. Why does George do this? What does Howard think as he watches his son? What does this action tell you about George’s character?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the contemporary setting of Tinkers. What clues in the narrative indicate the time period in which George lay dying in the hospital bed in his living room? Where does George live with his wife? Where are his family members visiting from?

Essay Topic 3

Describe the fictional book The Reasonable Horologist by the Rev. Kenner Davenport. When was this book published? What is the book’s implied origins in George’s life? What does the book symbolize? How does the language of these excerpts differ from the main narrative of Tinkers?

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