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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 does Rachel envision herself in Chapter 41 when she thinks about Izzy never having another glass of water?

2. What does Rachel tell Lewis that it seems like her grandfather is doing when they speak in Chapter 37?

3. What does Rachel tell Lewis about returning to school in Chapter 37?

4. What makes Rachel jealous when at Izzy's apartment in Chapter 32?

5. Why is Rachel jealous of MB?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Rachel say her family is dealing with Izzy's illness in her journal entry in Chapter 31?

2. Describe Lewis Olswanger.

3. Describe Izzy and Rachel's daily routine at the hospital in Chapter 36.

4. Is Rachel a stubborn person?

5. Is Rachel responsible, as of Chapter 31?

6. Describe the meal the Coopers share in the hospital cafeteria in Chapter 38.

7. Who is Rachel closest to in After the Rain?

8. Is Rachel's life back to normal after Izzy's death once she returns to school.

9. How does Rachel react to her Grandfather's groans as she waits outside his hospital room in Chapter 34?

10. Describe Rachel's feelings about Izzy's death based on her phone call with Lewis in Chapter 37.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Should the Coopers have told Izzy about the severity of his illness earlier, or was Dr. North right not to tell him since there was not a cure for his cancer? What determines whether it is right or wrong to give someone this sort of information? Under what circumstances would you change your answer?

Essay Topic 2

Acceptance of death is an on-going theme in the novel.

1) Which character does the best job of dealing with Izzy's impending death and why?

2) Which character will have the most difficult time after Izzy's death?

3) Based on events in the story, explain whether it is easier to deal with a family member death if you have a good relationship with them or a strained one.

Essay Topic 3

Izzy's death leaves some of his family members regretting their unfinished business with him. Why do you think Izzy was unable to form close and lasting ties with anyone but Eva and Rachel? Is the Cooper family better off now that he is dead? Support and analyze both of your answers.

(see the answer keys)

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