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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. How old is Norman when he first meets Jim?

2. How does Jim get Norman's contact information?

3. What does Jim enjoy doing at the camp?

4. How is Jim built?

5. What form is the final communication Norman receives from Jim?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Norman especially annoyed when Jim has an affair with a local woman?

2. What does Jim never eat at breakfast?

3. What happens when Norman returns to college?

4. What happens when Jim invites Norman to his home for dinner?

5. What does Norman fear about Jim?

6. How does Norman regain some composure after his trying days with Jim?

7. What question does Jim not ask Norman at dinner?

8. What does Norman observe about Jim's behavior with the other men?

9. Why does Norman make this decision?

10. How does Norman perceive Jim's letters?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain the irony in the situation of the cook losing all his money after he has cheated to win it in the poker game. All through the story the cook has been rude and disdainful to Norman, yet it is Norman who finds the cook beaten and broken in an alley and gives him all the money he has. What does it say about Norman's character that he can rise above the difficulties he has experienced with the cook and act like a good human being? Would the cook have done the same for Norman? Explain your position.

Essay Topic 2

Maclean's stories in this collection are based on real-life characters whom Norman feels are larger than life, certainly larger than himself. What character traits does Norman have that the other characters do not? Why is he just as important to the stories as the other characters he seems to admire?

Essay Topic 3

Like Neal, Paul also has a problem with alcohol but Paul is able to maintain a home and keep a job. Compare and contrast the characters of Paul and Neal. Unfortunately, Paul's struggle with alcohol has a tragic end. Do you think Paul's personality would have allowed any restrictions or was he a bright flame that was destined to burn out early? What do you think was Neal's fate?

(see the answer keys)

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