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This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Randolph make no apologies for to Joel while painting him?

2. Who does Joel wish could rescue him from the midget?

3. What does Joel do to the person who gave him his haircut after?

4. Who is trying to corral the person Randolph wishes to paint?

5. Where does Joel take refuge near the end of Chapter 11?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the possible symbolism for Idabel's colored glasses in the book. In what way might Idabel's offering Joel her colored glasses be symbolic of her trying to shelter him from the harshness of life when you are an outsider?

Essay Topic 2

The notion of superstition is one that is frequently brought up in the book and plays a role in Joel's life at the Landing.

Part 1.) What can the reader learn about the importance of superstition in the local culture based on characters like Little Sunshine?

Part 2.) What symbolism can be found in the representation of superstitious practices and charms in the book?

Part 3.) How is the presence of superstition significant to Joel's journey from normalcy to bizarre in the book?

Essay Topic 3

The subject of homosexuality is present throughout much of the book and offers an important insight into the nature of the book's characters.

Part 1.) What can the reader learn about the nature of the local's acceptance of homosexuality based on Idabel's need to escape the town and be her true self?

Part 2.) In what way might the author's portrayal of Joel represent the journey of first discovering homosexuality?

Part 3.) How might Randolph be seen as the most open and understanding of homosexuality in the book?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 304 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample