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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. Richard says that home to him is _______________________.

2. What did Richard once dread but now enjoys?

3. In Chapter 38, Dickie wants to know Richard's name for ___________________.

4. Richard teaches Dickie about self preservation and _____________________.

5. What state does Richard live in in this memory?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is a common theme in the book, and how does Richard use this factor to grow his character?

2. What does Richard feel about his role as teacher in his relationship with Dickie?

3. How are Dickie and Richard at odds regarding security?

4. Explain some of the philosophies of life that Richard explains to Dickie such as space-time and the elements of the human experience.

5. What advice does Richard give Dickie about handling life's challenges?

6. How does Richard mentally escape the charity ball in Chapter 20?

7. How does Richard use arithmetic to teach Dickie about life?

8. What example of coincidence does Richard use to show Dickie that he should run away from safety?

9. What is the basis of the conversation between Richard and Dickie regarding good and evil?

10. What does Richard recall about his brother, Bobby's, death?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

RUNNING FROM SAFETY is a classic story of loss and renewal. What does that classification entail? Why does this book fit into this category? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

Project into the future ten years after the end of the book and write a brief synopsis for the main characters' lives. Will Dickie still be such a presence in Richard's life? What will Richard be doing? Will Dickie age at all or will he be eternally nine years old?

Essay Topic 3

The story in RUNNING FROM SAFETY is essentially told via flashbacks. What is a flashback? Why would an author choose to utilize a flashback in his work? Are there benefits to utilizing flashbacks when creating a work of fiction? Explain.

(see the answer keys)

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