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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 character type does Paul imitate to impress the Navy man?

2. Paul surprisingly does what on Bastille Day?

3. According to Paul, what makes Ellen so pretty?

4. How does Paul advertise himself at Canton?

5. What opportunity does Paul get after Sutton?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Cantwell's theory on why Paul seeks approval? How does Paul feel about it?

2. What "new suit for the emperor" does Paul try out in his new life at Canton?

3. On what note does Paul's first year at Canton end? How is it another example of the patterns in his life?

4. Paul has a dream that his penis unscrews likes a light bulb and he is unable to get it back on. How does this sum up Paul's life at the time?

5. What Experience is Paul looking for in Europe? What are some examples of his Experience?

6. How does Paul respond to his first attempt at therapy?

7. Paul is exonerated of the accusations laid by Greg. What are some benefits and disadvantages to this?

8. How does Paul react to Bill's death?

9. What causes Paul to react the way he does with the Navy man after sex?

10. Compare and contrast Paul's life and role between Sutton Hill and Canton Academy. Which seems more fitting for Paul? In what way?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Paul describes "keeping the wounds raw." How does this statement describe Paul's life and his writings?

Essay Topic 2

Describe Paul's relationship with his father and compare it to Bobby's relationship with their father. What bonds does BIg Paul have with the boys? In what way? Does one relationship seem stronger than the other? How so? How does it come to be this way?

Essay Topic 3

Write about the different ways Paul and other gays in the book cope with their sexual preference. Do more hide it or are there more gay men who feel comfortable showing their real selves? Does it matter where the person is raised? Does it matter what age? Consider Raf, Lonnie, Alex, Paul, Doug, etc.

(see the answer keys)

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