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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. Why do Rudolph and Thomas not make it back in time to see Mary before she died?

2. What does Rudolph buy Thomas for a wedding gift?

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

4. What does Thomas realize that Rudolph does not have?

5. What does Thomas remind Gretchen not to do?

Short Essay Questions

1. What are the significant changes visible in Mary now?

2. How has Rudolph reached the pinnacle of success in every aspect of his life?

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

4. What happens with Gretchen and the young black man that makes Gretchen change her mind about continuing her studies?

5. Describe Thomas' reconnection with his mother after so many years apart.

6. Explain the symbolism of Rudolph's meeting his high school French teacher.

7. Explain how Thomas' original return of the $5000 has resulted in a positive way for him after all.

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

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

10. How does Jean's depression escalate into alcoholism and what are the first signs of the disease?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Alcohol abuse seems to be an unnamed character in the book. How pervasive is the abuse? Why does it have such a prevalent place in the characters' lives? How does it affect the abusers? How does it affect those impacted by the abusers? Explain how an inanimate object or characteristic can be a character.

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

Explain how Rudolph's role as protagonist evolves as the plot extends. How does Rudolph change from the hard-working boy in a bakery to a manipulative businessman and politician? What are Rudolph's motivators? Is Rudolph the typical protagonist hero?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 982 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample