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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. In Chapter 19, what does Paul wear on Saturday morning?

2. Where do Paul and Spenser stop to eat in Chapter 15?

3. Which of the following projects does Spenser think will teach Paul to become independent and self-reliant?

4. When does Paul set out on his journey of self-discovery and growth?

5. The first morning that Paul and Spenser are in the cabin, what does Spenser set out for breakfast?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Chapter 21 we are able to see how Paul is growing both physically and emotionally. How has he grown?

2. Was it a good idea for Spenser and Paul to break into Mel's office? Why? Why not?

3. Why does Spenser does not take a television to the cabin with him and Paul?

4. Why does Spenser feel that teaching Paul to box and weight lift is important?

5. Why does Spenser send Paul and Patty to Susan's house in Chapter 13?

6. How is the reader likely to feel when Patty shows up to take Paul home in Chapter 22?

7. Why does Spenser decide to take Paul to Fryeburg and build a cabin?

8. Why does Spenser agree to keep Paul after the kidnapping scare when Patty is taken hostage?

9. Why is the discussion that Spenser and Paul have in Chapter 21 about the rules of fighting an important one?

10. Is Spenser's plan to blackmail the Giacomins in order to make them pay for Paul's education and living expenses, as well as staying away from him a good plan? Why? Why not?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Patty Giacomin and Susan Silverman are two women who play important roles in "Early Autumn".

Part 1) Compare and contrast the characters of Patty and Susan. How are they the same? How are they different?

Part 2) What would have happened if those two characters, Patty and Susan, never existed in the story? Use instances from the text to support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

Spenser feels that in order for Paul to be autonomous, he must learn to work with his hands and have structure and order in his life. To illustrate this, Spenser adheres to a routine of physical exercise and construction on the cabin mixed in with new experiences like going to museums and listening to baseball games on the radio. Do you agree with Spenser that such activities and lessons as these (and the others described in the book) are important to Paul's becoming autonomous? Why? Why not? Use the text to support your answers.

Essay Topic 3

Mel Giacomin is the main antagonist (villain, bad guy) of the story. He is not a very complex character, and has very few personality aspects. Unlike Spenser, when he is faced with some tough decisions, he does not make good ones. and definitely makes some decisions which could be viewed as morally problematic. In a story rife with "bad guys" and "seedy characters", what makes Mel the antagonist of this story? Use instances from the text to support your answer.

(see the answer keys)

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