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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. What does Sarah tell Macon she wants regarding their separation?

2. How does Macon feel about Muriel's question while on their training expedition with Edward?

3. According to Julian, what will the next series be about?

4. What does Macon daydream about when Sarah calls?

5. What does Grandfather Leary announce the day his mind first begins to wander?

Short Essay Questions

1. According to Macon, when did his grandfather's mind begin to wander?

2. According to Muriel, how did the birth of her son, Alexander, impact her marriage?

3. In Philadelphia, what does Porter's daughter, Susan, tell Macon about Ethan?

4. What is the series of books Macon writes called and why is it significant?

5. Why does Macon keep Edward, and what does he agree to?

6. In Chapter 12, Macon begins to spend a lot of time with Muriel. What is Rose's response to his absence from home and why is it significant?

7. What happened to Macon and Sarah's son, Ethan?

8. Why does Macon call Muriel in New York?

9. What does Julian invite Macon and Muriel to and why is it significant?

10. What is significant about Macon's visit to a restaurant at the top of a sky-scraper in New York?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The issue of class is significant in the novel. Macon's family is middle-class, while Muriel has a working-class background. When Macon begins to see Muriel, his family do not approve of Muriel because they think she is just out for a meal ticket. How are Macon's reservations about Muriel also about class division?

Essay Topic 2

Describe Macon's role as a father in the novel.

1. How does he identify as a father-figure to Alexander?

2. How does he compare to the other fathers in the novel?

Essay Topic 3

Grief plays a large role in the dissolution and reconciliation of Macon and Sarah's marriage. Discuss how Macon and Sarah experience grief in the novel, and how each recovers from their loss.

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