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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. How much does Rudolph pay Thomas' old manager for information?

2. What offer does Virginia Calderwood continue to make to Rudolph?

3. What do Rudolph and Jean name their daughter?

4. What is the name of the student who sexually attacks Gretchen?

5. What does Thomas receive from his mother?

Short Essay Questions

1. What important help is Rudolph able to give Thomas in Part 4, Chapter 4?

2. What do the boat charters represent as positive changes in Thomas' life?

3. How does Thomas reconnect with his son?

4. What are the two most important factors in Virginia Calderwood's overt flirtations with Rudolph?

5. What are the two main reasons Thomas' reconnection with his mother is so important?

6. What is the nature of Gretchen's struggles in Part 3, Chapter 4?

7. What are Gretchen's legal battles related to the death of her husband?

8. What seems to be the next step in Rudolph's career?

9. What is the reason Thomas must run away and get a job on a ship?

10. What is the significance of Thomas' wedding to Kate?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe some of the settings for the novel. Be sure to include geography, time period and any pertinent popular culture events. Why did Shaw choose to use these places in the text?

Essay Topic 2

What do you think are the three main sorrows in Mary Jordache's life? Cite examples to support your answers. Explain how Mary grows from these experiences.

Essay Topic 3

Project into the future ten years after the end of the novel and write a brief synopsis for the lives of four of the characters. Remember to exclude Thomas but you may choose from Rudolph, Gretchen, Jean, Kate, Dwyer, Wesley and Billy.

(see the answer keys)

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