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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 Frank live?

2. What does Dick open in Chapter 14 to save money?

3. How old was Dick when his mother died?

4. What is the name that Dick asks the young man about while aboard the ferry in Chapter 11?

5. Where does Frank and Dick stop for ice cream in Chapter 5?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Dick prevent Travis from withdrawing his money at the bank?

2. Compare Frank and Dick.

3. How does Dick assist the police and the young man who was robbed in Chapter 10?

4. How does Dick help Tom, the boot-black?

5. How is Dick alert to business opportunities?

6. How does Frank attempt to help Dick improve his social status and quality of life in Chapters 5-8?

7. What does the clothing offered by Rockwell signify for Dick in Chapter 26?

8. What kind of work does Henry get? Describe his work experience in Chapters 19 and 20?

9. Describe two changes Dick makes in Chapter 13 and 14 in his lifestyle.

10. How does Dick help Fosdick and receive help in return?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Money has particular significance in Ragged Dick and Mark the Match Boy. What is the significance of having money in the story? Who chases after money? Who has money? Who loses money? Who gains money? What does Alger ultimately say about money through the characters of Mark and Dick? What is the importance of this discovery and the characters' roles? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

Social etiquette plays an important role in Ragged Dick and Mark the Match Boy. Who has "manners," and who does not? What does being of the upper class signify? Who teaches whom and in what way? Does social etiquette in Ragged Dick and Mark the Match Boy signify wealth, status, or other power? Discuss.

Essay Topic 3

Ragged Dick and Mark the Match Boy is particularly effective in conveying meaning through powerful imagery. Powerful imagery is used to establish connections in the minds of readers with the story's characters and plot. The imagery can involve visual, auditory, olfactory, gustatory, tactile, kinetic, and kinesthetic elements. The author uses imagery to translate words into a visual story that we can see and participate in within our minds. Describe the use of imagery in this novel.

(see the answer keys)

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