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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. Bruce recalls that he had gone home in January for what reason?

2. What did Bruce and the girl in #103 do during the intermission at the dance?

3. What is the subject of the pictures that Bruce sees in the box?

4. What disease had stricken Bruce's brother?

5. Whose home does Bruce walk to in Part 2, Chapter 1?

Short Essay Questions

1. What was the only life Bruce had ever envisioned for his future?

2. What could account for Bruce's high opinion of himself as a young man?

3. What are the contents of the box saved by Aunt Margaret?

4. What had Bruce thought about Nola's family members?

5. What conclusion does Bruce arrive at regarding Nola's need for a man?

6. What prompts Bruce to ask Nola to marry him?

7. What does Bruce recall about Nola's virginity the first time they were intimate?

8. Other than leaving Nola, what complicated Bruce's decision regarding going to law school?

9. How does the author show Bruce's affections for his mother regarding his going to the prom?

10. How did Nola avoid having sex with Bruce in the cabin that weekend?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The theme of the passage of time will be an important one in the novel. How does the author begin to build this theme? Give examples of the passage of time throughout the book.

Essay Topic 2

Explain the concept of loneliness as it exhibits in the story. Which of the characters are lonely? Are they all lonely in some way? Explain the loneliness and the methods and attempts to overcome it.

Essay Topic 3

The author uses some important instances of foreshadowing in the story. Explain what foreshadowing is and cite at least two examples making sure to explain what makes each an example of foreshadowing.

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