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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 Owen respond to Barb Wiggins' teasing?

2. What city do Owen and Johnny travel to on their holiday from school?

3. What is Owen unable to do in military training?

4. As an adult, who is Johnny's best friend?

5. Who does Owen claim will have to step in if God does not make Johnny's father known to him?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens with Owen's collegiate schooling after he is kicked out of Gravesend Academy?

2. What is ironic of Johnny's job as an adult?

3. What goes wrong during the Christmas pageant?

4. Who is Katherine Keeling?

5. What is the reaction to Mrs. Wheelwright's new television?

6. How does Owen react to the nuns at the academy?

7. What has Owen done to prepare the amputation blade?

8. As an adult, what does Johnny overhear his friend Katherine Keener's husband saying about him?

9. What does Owen hope to do upon graduation from the University, and why?

10. What habit has Hester taken up, and how does it affect her life?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

While exploring the dorm rooms at Gravesend, the boys are initiated into the worlds of puberty and sexuality. Compare and contrast the boys' expectations of puberty with what they actually experience. Why might John Irving have included sexuality as a major theme within his novel?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Owen is surely the most confident character in the book, a characteristic that might not have been expected by the reader. In an essay, explain the symbolism of the armadillo throughout the story. Where and when does it appear? Does it's symbolism every change? Consider what the armadillo means to both Johnny and Owen as individuals. What do they use it for?

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