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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. How does the narrator excuse his lack of responsibility?

2. Why does the narrator dump slush on a man's head?

3. What is the vet's final advice to the narrator?

4. What was the topic of the narrator's graduation day speech?

5. What is the narrator's explanation for taking Mr. Norton to the Golden Day?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the objective of Rev. Barbee's sermon?

2. What final action does the hospital take to ensure the narrator's silence?

3. Why does the drug store have the pork chop and grits special?

4. Describe Dr. Bledsoe.

5. What mistake does the veteran doctor predict the narrator will make?

6. Why do the people at the Men's House treat him with hostility?

7. Explain the irony of the sign "Keep American Pure with Liberty Paints."

8. Why does the trip to the Trueblood house make the narrator feel uncomfortable?

9. What lie does Dr. Bledsoe expect the narrator to tell?

10. Of what "irresponsibility" are sleepwalkers and dreamers accused?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain the symbolism of the following items: the figurine bank, the dark glasses, the briefcase, the dancing dolls, the piece of chain.

Essay Topic 2

Early in the novel, the graduating black boys are deliberately used as cruel sport for the white men at a club. Norton is at the club with all the other white men. Norton does not care about the black boys any more than anyone else does. Therefore, what is his purpose at the college? Explain the things that Mr. Norton and Brother Jack have in common.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the use of white vs black and dark vs light throughout the novel. How are these contrasting concepts used in unexpected ways?

(see the answer keys)

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