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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. Where does Dan Needham live?

2. Who does Owen say should not be left alone with Tabitha's dressmaking dummy?

3. Who lets Owen's Christmas responsibilities slip to his parents?

4. Johnny's mother encourages Owen to switch what?

5. Which character was referred to as "the little doll"?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Johnny see when he travels to Tabitha's grave for the first time?

2. How does Johnny react to Owen's baseball card apology?

3. Who is Dan Needham, and what does he look like?

4. Why does Owen's family switch to the Episcopalian church?

5. Explain the situation that Johnny will later describe as his sexual awakening.

6. Why do Owen and Mr. Morrison have a conversation?

7. What does Owen think he sees when he enters Tabitha's bedroom?

8. What happens to Harry Hoyt's mother?

9. What is the response from Johnny's family after Tabitha's funeral?

10. What is significant about Johnny Wheelwright's family?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Both Owen and Reverend Merrill played a large part in cementing the religious faith of Johnny who vacillated on religion through most of the novel. In an essay, compare/contrast the religious faiths of Owen and Reverend Merrill. Consider how much trickery comes into play in regards to the faith of characters in the novel. What message do you think John Irving was attempting to state in the novel? How do both Owen and Reverend Merrill's views on faith affected Johnny's views? Which had a larger impact on his faith? What changes did each character prompt in his beliefs?

Essay Topic 2

Amputation becomes a large theme throughout the novel. Compare/contrast the amputation of the armadillo and the amputation of Johnny's hands. What is similar about them? What is the difference? What is the significance of the two amputations?

Essay Topic 3

Throughout the novel, Owen takes charge of many characters' lives. This role of leadership is a very important aspect in his life. In an essay, discuss three events in which Owen takes a leadership role, or controls another character's actions. Select another character in the novel and explain how Owen's need for control has affected their relationship. Finally, compare and contrast Owen's physicality with his personality. Why might the need to control be such an important aspect of character?

(see the answer keys)

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