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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. Miller believes that sex is never simply what type of response?

2. What class does Miller want to take in high school that he is not eligible for?

3. "Feeling lucky to share your life with your wife and amazed that your wife remains committed to you" is an example of what in a loving relationship?

4. Miller writes Chapter 11 without making reference to whom?

5. What organization did Miller join in order to develop his idea of manhood?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Chapter 9, Girls, Miller asserts that growing up without a father has left him poorly prepared to be in a relationship. Why is this surprising?

2. MacMurray is a successful photographer, gets up early, and makes long trips to get good shots that often fail. How does he explain his success to Miller?

3. In Chapter 13, the author describes his struggle with his self-esteem as a child. How does this affect his school performance?

4. Miller learns the secret to a successful love relationship from a married friend. According this married friend, what is this secret and what does it look like?

5. Miller assumes that humans have to work because God is punishing the sinful nature of humanity. MacMurray disagrees. How does MacMurray explain humanity's need to work?

6. In Chapter 7, Miller states that his definition of manhood changed over time. How did it change?

7. Miller stresses the importance of making wise decisions in Chapter 8. He believes young men without fathers need to be intentional about learning to make decisions. How does he recommend they do this and why?

8. In Chapter 10, Why does Miller promote maturity for young men?

9. In Chapter 9, why does Miller say that he dated?

10. In Chapter 12, work is defined as honorable and spiritual. What does this mean?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Much of this book is about the author's search for a perfect family and perfect father-son experience to help him learn how be a member of a family. As you finish reading this book, reflect on what does the author suggest are the characteristics of a perfect family. Identify the characteristics that the author identifies throughout the book. Provide supporting evidence from the book. Do you believe there is such a thing as a perfect family? What does today's perfect family look like? How is today's perfect family similar to and different from Miller's ideal family?

Essay Topic 2

You have finished the book. Evaluate the author's ability to present his message, effectively or not, to the reader. What techniques does the author use to present his message and himself? What are the strengths of this method of memoir writing? What are the limitations of this approach to memoir writing? Does the author have biases in the book? What worked for you as you read this book? What did not? Use examples from the book to support your opinion.

Essay Topic 3

In this memoir, Miller uses stories from his life to share his journey to adulthood with the reader. What was the original message or theme of this book? As you read the final chapter, how has the original focus and message changed? Who was his intended audience? Has this changed by the end of the book? Support your rationale with examples from the book.

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