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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 job was Jack holding when his wife became pregnant?

2. What object do John's son and Tobias "chuck pebbles" at?

3. What job did John help the widow with, who had just moved from her farm to a cottage in town?

4. When Jack states that John is in an unconventional marriage himself, what is he referring to?

5. As a boy, what did Jack do to the John's mailbox?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does John believe about the soul in Paradise?

2. What does John recall about how his grandfather was invited to speak at a town picnic?

3. Describe the nature of the letters Edward is sending home to his father and brother.

4. John states that he doesn't forgive Jack, writing "I wouldn't know were to begin." What provokes this statement?

5. How does John explain the futility of defending beliefs?

6. What is the nature of the conversation John and Boughton have while Lila, their son, and Glory have gone to the movies?

7. What is John's response to the possibility that there may be something approaching love between Lila and Jack?

8. What moves John to tears during his conversation at the church with Jack?

9. What is the nature of John and Jack's first discussion at the church?

10. How does John recall Jack's baptism?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

John seems to harbor some resentment to the fact that he is Jack Boughton's namesake. Discuss why this is the case, how this resentment manifests itself, and how he deals with the responsibility of helping forge Jack's character.

Essay Topic 2

John's wife and son remained unnamed for the majority of the book. His wife's name is heard only from the mouth of Jack Boughton late in the novel. Discuss why Robinson chose not to reveal these names, taking into consideration John's relationship with his immediate family and how he views the two in his own life.

Essay Topic 3

Several important truths about Jack Boughton are revealed on pages 217 - 233. Identify these truths, and discuss how it is shown that Jack might be developing some sense of character.

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