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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. In March, Tom gets a letter from Willie's mother. What does it say?
(a) She wants Willie home because she is sick.
(b) She wants Willie to stay with Tom because she can't care for him.
(c) She wants Willie to stay with Tom because the bombing is worse.
(d) She wants Willie home because the war is over.

2. How does Mrs. Beech first react when she sees Willie at the train station?
(a) She hugs him.
(b) She yells at him.
(c) She barely recognizes him.
(d) She cries.

3. What does Willie teach himself to do after Zach dies?
(a) Ride a bicycle.
(b) Act in a play.
(c) Write poetry.
(d) Dance.

4. Why is George wearing a black armband?
(a) He is showing his loyalty to his country.
(b) His cousin was reported missing, believed dead.
(c) His father was reported missing, believed dead.
(d) His brother was reported missing, believed dead.

5. What piece of himself does Tom finally share with Willie?
(a) The loss of his wife and baby.
(b) His struggle to teach Willie to read.
(c) His grief in buying the paints for Willie.
(d) His need for a son.

Short Answer Questions

1. As March comes, what do the children get together to plan?

2. How do Tom, Willie, and Zach find a place to stay in Salmouth?

3. What news does Mrs. Hartridge share with Willie?

4. What is Willie doing when George comes to fetch him to bring him to the first carol practice?

5. What name does Zach give the town where he, Tom, and Willie are vacationing?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Tom reveal for the first time in "The Show Must Go On"? Why does he reveal it and to whom?

2. What is the relationship between Zach and his parents? Why would the reader question this relationship?

3. How has Zach helped Willie discover himself?

4. What has Carrie asked of Mrs. Hartridge that is out of character for a girl of this period, and what might its effects be on the town of Weirwold.

5. In Chapter 15, "Home," what more does the reader learn about Mrs. Beech that has not been revealed before this chapter?

6. How does the war change the lives of those in Weirwold forever in Chapter 21, "Back to School"?

7. In Chapter 14, "New Beginnings," there are a few actual new beginnings. What are they, and what changes will they bring to the lives of the characters?

8. At first, how does Zach's death affect Wiliie?

9. Once again in this novel, two people with tragedy in their lives will come together and help each other heal. In Chapter 20, "Spooky Cott" who does Willie meet and how will their meeting help each of them?

10. How do the psychiatrist and Tom differ in their assessment of Willie's recovery needs?

(see the answer keys)

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