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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. As a teenager, one of Miller's most successful and key relationships with a male father figure was with whom?
(a) David Gentiles.
(b) Mr. Kilpin.
(c) John MacMurray.
(d) The Landlord's son.

2. Miller uses these stories about animals to illustrate what point in Chapter 2?
(a) To suggest the power of fathers in today's society.
(b) To explain the cause of fatherlessness in the United States.
(c) To demonstrate the need for two-parent families in the United States.
(d) To find an explanation for his fatherlessness.

3. Chapter 1 emphasizes what difficulties for boys who grow up without fathers?
(a) Poor communication skills with others.
(b) The lack of money.
(c) The absence of traditional father-son experiences.
(d) Unstable relationships with others.

4. Where are Miller and John MacMurray when Miller first begins to understand the relationship between God and fathers?
(a) At work.
(b) In church.
(c) On a trip up a mountain.
(d) At home.

5. According to Miller, what lesson is a father responsible for instilling in a young child?
(a) The difference between right and wrong.
(b) That the child is worthless.
(c) That the world is unfair.
(d) That the child's existence makes an impact in the world.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Miller use as an analogy for God's love and father-son love?

2. What does Miller do that upsets one of the church members who is spending time with Miller?

3. The author uses the prologue to do which of the following?

4. What is the responsibility of the adult male elephant in a young elephant's life?

5. Where is Miller offered a home when living in Boring, Oregon?

Short Essay Questions

1. Miller's mother attempts to find father figures for her son in several places. Describe Miller's mother's efforts. How successful were these efforts?

2. In Chapter 1, Miller describes meeting Mr. Gentiles as one of the key turning points in his life. Why does Miller believe this?

3. How does Miller meet John MacMurray and what roles do John MacMurray and his family play in Miller's life?

4. The author's writing style should appeal to whom?

5. According to the information in the prologue, who is the intended audience for this book?

6. Chapter 5 is considered the "climax" of this book. What does this mean?

7. Miller states that his experience in which he did not get to enter a derby car in the race did not affect him. Do you agree? Why or why not?

8. In Chapter 6, Authority, Miller uses a metaphor of airline pilots warning each other about weather conditions. What point is Miller illustrating with this story?

9. Miller suggests that as a child he was attracted to stories about dwarfs and dragons. In particular, he wanted to own and ride a dragon. He believes that the dragon took on the role of a father figure. What characteristics of the dragon do you believe remind him of a father figure?

10. In Chapter 1, Miller describes several events and activities in which he attempts to interact with adult men. Most of these experiences do not appear to have been successful. In addition to camping, making a derby car, and playing with a remote-controlled airplane, what other "manly man" activities may Miller have missed because he did not have a father?

(see the answer keys)

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