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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does Lena make sure is happening before she sends for the fire department?
(a) Saul and Leo are far from the machine
(b) A hose is nearby
(c) Leo is safe
(d) The machine is burning well

2. What is considered Douglas and Tom's first rite of the summer?
(a) Eating wild strawberries
(b) Going on a picnic in the forest
(c) Picking fox grapes
(d) Collecting dandelions

3. Which of the following characters believes that a sandwich outdoors tastes different from indoors?
(a) Douglass
(b) Father
(c) Tom
(d) Grandfather

4. Who witnessed the event where the Green Machine ran over the someone?
(a) Douglas
(b) Colonel Freeleigh
(c) Tom
(d) Frank

5. What does the Happiness Machine actually result in?
(a) Relief
(b) Happiness
(c) Conflict
(d) Longing

Short Answer Questions

1. Which of the following characters is the conductor of the trolley?

2. What does Tom do as Douglas is contemplating his thoughts about the Thing?

3. What does Douglas like to think of John as?

4. What does Mother send Tom to purchase?

5. In what state does this novel take place?

Short Essay Questions

1. What ritual does Douglas take comfort in that relates to the adults in his life?

2. What can be said that Leo has tampered with when he follows through on building the Happiness Machine?

3. What brings Douglas comfort after so many things that he loves have all changed and ended at once?

4. Describe a typical summer night for Douglas' family.

5. Name two examples where Douglas tried to cling to something in order to control destiny or change.

6. What is the overall tone of the opening of this novel and why do you believe that is the case?

7. What does the beating of the rugs symbolize to Douglas and Tom both?

8. How does Helen Bentley attempt to prove to the children that she was indeed once a child?

9. How did Helen overcome her exasperation at the children not being able to accept the fact that she was once young?

10. What portion of this section of the novel is the best example of the division between the elderly and the young?

(see the answer keys)

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