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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. What does Jim do that Norman finds it difficult to maintain?

3. What does Jim enjoy doing at the camp?

4. What is the subject of Jim's latest brags?

5. How does Norman feel about Jim after the affair?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Norman agree to do by the end of the summer?

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

3. What is Jim's wintertime job?

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

5. How does Norman perceive Jim's letters?

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

7. What happens when Norman returns to college?

8. How does Norman come to feel about Jim?

9. Why does Norman make this decision?

10. What does Jim never eat at breakfast?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Even though Norman and Jim do not get along, Jim writes letters to Norman after Norman returns to college. Why do you think Jim wants to maintain contact with Norman? Has Norman inadvertently done anything to lead Jim into believing that this is something that Norman wants also? Or does Jim just need to continue his braggart behavior and finds that doing it via letters is better than not doing it at all? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

Mrs. Maclean dotes on Paul and refuses to talk about his death at the end of the story. Explain the concept of denial and how Mrs. Maclean will not address Paul's alcoholism. By refusing to look at Paul's weakness, how does Mrs. Maclean inadvertently contribute to Paul's death?

Essay Topic 3

Why does Norman find Jim Grierson to be such a repugnant character? What is known about Jim and Norman's backgrounds which may indicate the huge conflict in their personalities? Jim is probably intelligent because he reads all the time and he is crafty enough to make extra money, so where is the disconnect for Norman as far as Jim is concerned? Support your answer with examples.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 655 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample