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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 is Clothilde from?

2. What stops Mary from killing herself?

3. What is the Jordache family celebrating in Part 1, Chapter 6?

4. What is Mary contemplating on this evening?

5. What happens soon after Thomas beats up Mr. Greening?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Thomas do to Teddy Boylan as revenge for Teddy's seducing Gretchen?

2. How is Thomas able to repay the $5,000 his father paid for his release several years earlier?

3. What is the foundation of the relationship between Teddy Boylan and Rudolph?

4. How are Rudolph, Gretchen and Thomas introduced in the story?

5. Who does Thomas fight at the gym and why is he so violent?

6. What are the reasons that Axel is depressed which ultimately lead to his death?

7. What is the significance of the Communist charges brought against Professor Denton?

8. What is the state of Mary's physical and mental health?

9. Explain why Thomas is so happy living in Ohio.

10. What important realization does Rudolph come to while temporarily working in the family bakery?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Create a character study of Gretchen Jordache. What are her physical characteristics? What are her motivations? What are her fears? What are her dreams? What else can you say about Gretchen?

Essay Topic 2

The author uses several instances of flashbacks in the story. Explain what a flashback is and cite at least two making sure to explain what makes each a flashback.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the theme of good vs. evil in the novel. Who/what represents good? Who/what represents evil? How do they co-exist or do they? What is the final confrontation?

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