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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. In Chapter Six, what does Kit try to convince Al to do?

2. Why do people believe Sammy's lies?

3. In Chapter Four, what conclusion does Al come to about his friendship with Sammy?

4. At the end of Chapter Five, Sammy's face explodes around Al as if it is:

5. What is Al's mistake in his article?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the first interaction between Sammy and Laurette Harrington.

2. In Chapter Two, why does Al try to avoid Sammy for a few weeks?

3. What does Al find out about Sammy's childhood, particularly Sammy's feelings about the Jewish faith?

4. Why does Al compare Sammy to a time bomb ticking in his brain in Chapter Six?

5. Why does Julian invite Kit and Al over to his house for lunch in Chapter Eight?

6. What advice does Al give to Sammy regarding Rosalie in Chapter Three?

7. In Chapter Two, what does Al mean when he says, "America, America... God shed His Grace on thee?"

8. In Chapter Eight, after he reads about Sammy's payment for his play, why does Al ask Sammy if he can console him?

9. How does Al feel when he first returns to New York?

10. Describe what happens when Al goes to Sammy's mother's house. Be sure to include the details of the conversation between Al and Israel.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

On several occasions Al Manheim uses the term "dog eat dog world." Discuss the significance of this term in the novel, "What Makes Sammy Run?" Cite three examples of how the "dog eat dog world" affects characters in the story.

Essay Topic 2

Hollywood could be considered a character in the story, "What Makes Sammy Run?" Discuss the role Hollywood plays: what does it stand for? Consider the film industry, the way bosses are represented, and The Writers Guild.

Essay Topic 3

When Al returns to New York City, he visits Sammy Glick's old home. What does Al come to realize about Sammy Glick during his visit? Be sure to discuss the social/ economic background Sammy comes from and how it shapes his character.

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