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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. Which of the characters finds it easier to believe that there is no God, which makes life have no sense or meaning?

2. Thomas buys a book on ___________ and makes his girlfriend read the stories to him while he pleasures himself.

3. Who does Ma decide is responsible for delivering her and her sons to safety after they encounter the crazy man?

4. ________ is a big talking, sex addict who is stuck in a going-nowhere job but is convinced he will get his break in the movies.

5. Which friend is Dominick trying to please when he joins the gym where he eventually meets Joy?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Dell decide to lower the price of the used car that he is trying to sell to Leo, in this story?

2. What is Dominick torn between when he is in Ma and Ray's room, with a mind that is being sparked by memories?

3. What happens when it's found out that Thomas did not get a safe number in the draft for Vietnam war fighting?

4. What does Dominick learn when he goes to visit Sheffer in the office to talk about Thomas, in this story?

5. What happens which makes Dominick feel moved during his conversation and his visit with Leo?

6. What does Patel think Dominick needs to do in order to relieve his anger and feel better?

7. To what does Dominick attribute the meanness of Ray towards Thomas when he is arguing with Joy?

8. Why does Dominick go to visit a clinic after going to see Sheffer to talk about Thomas?

9. What are the guidelines for Dominick being able to visit Thomas when he is at the center?

10. Why is it hard for Dominick to not take care of his brother and watch out for him in this everyday life?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The story includes a number of flashbacks about the life of the brothers as they were growing up.

Part 1: Why do you think the author felt it was necessary to include flashbacks?

Part 2: Do you agree that the flashbacks help the story come to life for the reader?

Part 3: How do you think the story might have changed if the reader doesn't find out anything about the history of the brothers?

Essay Topic 2

Ma seems to be nervous about telling the twins the name of their real father, so she keeps this a secret for a while.

Part 1: Why do you think that Ma evades the question of who the twins' father really is?

Part 2: Do you think it's right for a mother to not tell her sons who their father is?

Part 3: What do you think you might have done if you were not told who your father was and you wanted to know?

Essay Topic 3

Thomas believes that Dominick is singled out for abuse because he does not defend himself.

Part 1: Why do you think Thomas believes Dominick can't defend himself?

Part 2: Do you think people who can't defend themselves are more likely to be hurt?

Part 3: What do you think might have happened if Dominick were to fight back?

(see the answer keys)

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