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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. Why does Douglas' sense of excitement become lackluster when he is with his friends?

2. Which of the following are the major themes of this section?

3. Which of the following characters believes that a sandwich outdoors tastes different from indoors?

4. What does Douglas' father speak about the wonders of?

5. How does the children's disbelief make Helen feel?

Short Essay Questions

1. How and why is Colonel Freeleigh a real time machine, though not a mechanical contraption?

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

3. Why is Frank confused at the message that Douglas gives to him to relay to his sisters?

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

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

6. How does Leo rationalize to a displeased Lena that the Happiness Machine is a necessity?

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

8. Why does Douglas suggest that he and John spend the time alone in a haystack doing nothing?

9. What new revelation does Douglas come to by dividing up his summer?

10. Based on Tom's habit of keeping statistics, what idea does Douglas implement himself?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Throughout the novel adults and children are often compared. Does the novel lead the reader to believe that they are more similar or more different? What events from the novel support your conclusions?

Essay Topic 2

How are the themes of man and nature developed throughout the novel. Use specific examples from the text to support your statements. Do you believe the author does a good job at developing these themes? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Clara and Elmira could be described as representing good and evil. Would you agree with this description? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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