View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is Julian planning to do for Christmas?

2. Why does Rose move back in with her brothers?

3. When Macon leaves Baltimore, the city is covered in ice. What is the weather like when Macon returns home ?

4. Where does Rose and Julian's wedding ceremony take place?

5. Who does Macon run into while out with Alexander?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Loss is a major theme in "The Accidental Tourist." The loss and suffering of children are the impetus for other losses, namely marriage.

1. Discuss the possible reasons why Macon and Sarah and Muriel and Norman are unable to take solace in their suffering over their children.

2. Why do you think Tyler utilizes children as the starting point to explore the consequences of grief?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Macon's inability to communicate presents major difficulties for him. Discuss the psychological reasons behind his withdrawal from those around him, and the ramifications of his actions, beginning with his marriage to Sarah to the present day.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 319 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample