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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. After leaving the final interview with Ms. Samuel, what does David Applelow discover about his apartment?

2. What does Roddy do over the weekend in "The Rest of It"?

3. Where is Roddy in the beginning of "The Rest of It"?

4. How does David Applelow react when he first sees Zach fighting with Marnie in the hallway?

5. Who leaves Roddy a note on his office door in "The Rest of It"?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does David learn about the job he is interviewing for in "Futures"?

2. What things does Mike tell Roddy about in "The Rest of It"?

3. Why is David irritated with Zach when they go to apply for jobs in "Futures"?

4. In "Futures," what happens when Marnie and Zach argue in the hallway?

5. In "Futures," why does David Applelow respond to the ad in the newspaper?

6. Why does David Applelow worry about his money in "Futures"?

7. How do the main characters of "The Suicide Room" know each other?

8. What happens when Will walks along the ledge of the dorm building in "The Suicide Room"?

9. In "The Rest of It," where does Roddy live?

10. In "The Rest of It," what seems to dictate Roddy's decisions?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Many of the stories in this collection have vague or unclear endings. What role do these endings serve? What do the endings bring to a close? What message does the author convey with vague endings?

Essay Topic 2

Compare and contrast two similar characters who act differently. How do their different actions change what seems to make them similar? How does this provide a message about free will in the collection?

Essay Topic 3

Analyze the author's use of symbolism throughout this collection. Possibilities to consider are: the basement, money, cars, the plane, colors and clothing.

(see the answer keys)

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