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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 creature does Larry rescue?

2. Larry says that Eden would not be complete without _________________.

3. What is the condition of Sid's barn?

4. What does Sid finally rationalize?

5. How does Larry adapt to time in Vermont?

Short Essay Questions

1. How do Sally's memories provide a different perspective about Charity for Hallie?

2. Why does Sid not want to go on the family picnic?

3. Explain the method that Sally has of categorizing her memories.

4. Why does Larry consider their year in Italy to be one of the best and most youthful for Sally and him?

5. What plans has Charity made for her family for after her death?

6. How does the author use the Adam and Eve metaphor to advance the plot?

7. How has Sid and Charity's home changed from the time the Langs first saw it in 1938?

8. How has the necessity for rescue changed between the two couples?

9. Why is this chapter the climax of the book?

10. How is Charity able to assert some control over Larry's life while her own husband resists her attempts?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The theme of rescue will be an important one in the novel. How does the author begin to build this theme? Give examples of rescues throughout the book.

Essay Topic 2

The author begins the story in the present day and tells the story through a series of flashbacks. Why did he choose to tell his story this way? In what way is a flashback technique more interesting for a reader? In what ways is it more complicated?

Essay Topic 3

Even though Larry is an accomplished writer and wonderful teacher, he still feels insecure in his university position. Explain why Larry feels that he does not measure up to the others in the department? Is it something they have done to him or do his insecurities stem from himself?

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