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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. What does Augusten have the urge to do after Dr. Finch shakes his hand?

2. What is Augusten watching his mother do in the opening of the novel?

3. What is Augusten's reaction to meeting Joranne?

4. What does Augusten believe that the city he hopes to move to represents?

5. With whose help does Augusten bash a giant hole in the kitchen ceiling?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Augusten do while he is skipping school, and what is Dr. Finch's reaction?

2. What is Augusten uncomfortable at school, and what does he do about it?

3. What conversation does Natalie and Augusten get into about his possible career goals?

4. What is "Bible-dipping'?

5. How does the reunification between Augusten and his mother go?

6. Why does Hope bring Augusten to meet Neil?

7. What is Augusten expecting of the Finch's home, and what does he find?

8. What is Augusten looking forward to doing after his mother leaves for the poetry reading?

9. What happens in the event leading up to the Burroughs starting marital counseling?

10. What happens when Troy attempts to teach Augusten about the sound system used by KISS?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Both Natalie and Augusten enter sexually abusive relationships with much older partners. Compare and contrast the two relationships and explain what each character learned about themselves after escaping the abuse.

Essay Topic 2

Augusten grew up with three central mother figures in his life: Agnes, Hope, and Deirdre. First, compare the mothering techniques of the three women, and then weigh in on which woman had the biggest influence on Augusten's life. Use examples from the text to support your claims.

Essay Topic 3

Augusten's biological brother, Troy, makes only one appearance throughout the memoir.

Part 1.) Describe Augusten's encounter with Troy in New York and the realization that Augusten had about his family after it.

Part 2.) Compare and contrast Augusten's relationship with his biological brother Troy to his relationship with his adopted sister Natalie. Which relationship seemed to have a larger effect on Augusten's view of the world? Use examples from the text to support your argument.

(see the answer keys)

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