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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 Ben decide not to tell Cody about his illness?

2. Why is Ben upset with Hey-Soos?

3. What does Ben realize he does not want?

4. What does Hey-Soos point out to Ben when Ben says he wants an ordinary senior year?

5. What does Dallas ask Ben about him and her?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who is the first person Ben tells about his illness, what does he say to him and what is his response?

2. What has changed in November for Ben with football, how is the team doing and what does Coach think about Cody? How does he feel about Ben and the team?

3. What does Ben do about his therapist's assignment?

4. What other school official becomes involved in the debate about Ben's project, what does this official do and what does Ben tell him?

5. How is Ben feeling about Hey-Soos at the beginning of Chapter 11, why does Ben feel that way and what does Hey-Soos advise?

6. What does Ben ask Coach about his book report, how does one of the students respond and what does Coach do to demonstrate democracy to the class?

7. What does Cody say to Ben after he tells him of his illness?

8. How does Ben feel about his secret on Christmas Eve, what does Hey-Soos tell him and what does Ben decide to do?

9. What does Rudy tell Ben is the reason he is an alcoholic?

10. How does Ben tell Dallas his secret, and what is her reaction?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss one of the following:

1. Thoroughly analyze how the setting informs the plot in "Deadline".

2. Trace and analyze one major theme of "Deadline". How is the theme represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

3. Trace and analyze two secondary themes of "Deadline". How are the themes represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

Essay Topic 2

Over the course of "Deadline", Rick grows as a person in both complexity and understanding. Deadline might be considered a slice of Rick's larger story of his "coming of age." It might be said that Deadline is a "bildungsroman" of Rick Fisher. Discuss the following:

1. Define Bildungsroman, or "Coming of Age," and give several examples from literature you have read.

2. Trace and analyze the character of Rick as he changes from a more carefree, innocent boy to a wiser, young man. What are the significant events that change Rick?

3. After thoroughly analyzing Rick's growth throughout "Deadline", do you think "Deadline" could be considered Rick's Coming of Age story? Why or why not?

4. Are there any other characters in "Deadline" who go through a Coming of Age experience? Who? Why do you think so?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the following:

1. Who is/are the protagonists of the story and why?

2. Who is/are the antagonists of the story and why?

3. Which 3 secondary characters have the greatest impact on the plot?

4. Are any of the characters dispensable and which ones? Why or why not?

5. Do you think this is a character-driven plot or an action-driven plot? Explain.

(see the answer keys)

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