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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. Which character is NOT embarrassed by Grandpa Amos' show?

2. What is Renata Halpern's book about?

3. Why does Tom call Sallie?

4. Who does Henry bring with him to the game?

5. Whose photo does Tom find in Savannah's apartment?

Short Essay Questions

1. What plans do the Wingo children have after graduation?

2. Why does Tom get in a fight in Chapter 17?

3. What is significant about the new black student's ability to beat Tom in a race?

4. Why does Henry help "The Amberjack"?

5. What does Tom realize after reading the first page of Renata's book?

6. How does Tom ironically avenge Herbert's rude behavior?

7. Why is Tom jealous of Savannah in Chapter 18?

8. What does Tom recognize as he has dinner with his mother?

9. What is the symbolism of Luke's solitary war with the government?

10. Why does Tom continue searching through Savannah's apartment?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The game of football plays a major role in the lives and events of several characters throughout the novel. Discuss the role of football in the novel. What part does it play in the text? Be sure to examine at least three different accounts of football from the narrative as you develop your thesis about the significance of this sport in the novel.

Essay Topic 2

In 1906, George Santayana penned the famous line, "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it" (from "The Life of Reason"). Does Conroy's novel support or refute this assertion?

Write a critical lens essay in which you interpret Santayana's quote, agree or disagree with the quotation as you have interpreted it, and provide evidence in the form of specific literary techniques from the text to support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

Trace the use and significance of religion in the novel. Write a thematic essay in which you develop the author's attitude or reason for using religion in his story. Be sure to discuss at least two specific moments when religion plays an explicit part in the novel to develop your thesis.

(see the answer keys)

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