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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. When the Brinker-Smiths enter the room that Owen and Johnny are investigating, where does Owen hide?

2. Which play is Dan Needham directing?

3. Who does the person praying at the grave believe is speaking to them?

4. Where does Dan Needham live?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. How is Owen described physically?

2. How does Owen typically play baseball?

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

4. What is Owen's view of Tabitha's dressmaking dummy?

5. What does Owen predict when he and Johnny are down by the Squamscott River?

6. What does the audience see Johnny Wheelwright reading, as an adult, in Canada, and how does Johnny react?

7. Describe Johnny's cousins.

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

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

The entire novel was working toward the idea of Owen's destiny. He had been aware of his purpose from the very beginning. In an essay, explain what Owen Meany's destiny was, and the ways that he worked toward achieving it. How was Johnny Wheelwright a major part of Owen Meany's destiny? Did the ending give you a sense of satisfaction? Why or why not? Did you feel that John Irving was leading you steadily down one path - toward Owen's destiny - or did the ending come out of nowhere? Why?

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