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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. What do we learn is Dr. Lowenstein's first name?

2. Why does Isabel Newbury leave Tom and his mother standing on the porch?

3. Which of the following events does NOT happen during the family picnic?

4. How would you characterize Bernard's attitude in his first meeting with Tom?

5. Which of the following does Tom NOT call attention to during his formative years?

Short Essay Questions

1. What kind of family does the Prologue portray?

2. What does Luke pray for before his father leaves for Korea?

3. How do the Wingo children get revenge on the Newburys?

4. How does the phone call contrast with the idyllic opening of Chapter 1?

5. Why does Tom feel Grandma Tolitha returns to Grandpa Wingo?

6. How does Lila react to Henry's buying a tiger?

7. How does Dr. Lowenstein perceive Lila in Chapter Six?

8. Who is the Prince of Tides?

9. Why does Tom punch Todd Newbury, and what does this reveal or suggest about Tom?

10. What is the significance of the game Tom plays with his daughters?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The essence of any drama, especially the Wingo family drama, is conflict. Choose ONE of the following characters and discuss the major conflicts and obstacles he or she seeks to overcome throughout the novel. Does he or she succeed? What is the prevailing conflict in his or her path to healing? How does the struggle and tension produced by this conflict change this character?

A.) Tom.

B.) Luke.

C.) Savannah.

D.) Lila.

E.) Susan.

F.) Henry.

Essay Topic 2

In the Epilogue of the novel, Tom is seen to repeat the name "Lowenstein." Similarly, Savannah was heard to repeat words and phrases during her time of extreme mental suffering. Do you think Tom Wingo has found the happiness and fulfillment that he seemed to be lacking in the opening of the novel? Or has he merely sacrificed his own peace and joy for the sake of family?

Write a persuasive essay in which you share your ideas on this subject. Be sure to justify your assertions with specific and relevant evidence from the text.

Essay Topic 3

What role do racism and bigotry play in the novel? Discuss specific examples of racism and bigotry in the novel and how it affects the overall ideas presented in the narrative.

(see the answer keys)

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