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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 the Burroughs begin to see Dr. Finch?

2. What is Dr. Finch's reaction to the sleeping person in the room connected to his office?

3. How is Augusten's father described?

4. What professions does Augusten associate with mental illness?

5. With what does Augusten's mother fashion shoulder pads?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Augusten describe his parents at the opening of the novel?

2. Who is Joranne, and what is her condition when Augusten meets her?

3. How does Augusten cope with the stress at home?

4. What is Augusten's reaction to meeting Kate Finch?

5. How does Dr. Finch treat Augusten and his sexuality?

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

7. How does Agnes respond to Dr. Finch's mistresses?

8. What happens when Poo Bear walks in on the kids playing with the electroshock machine?

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

10. How does Augusten get out of school after he is discouraged by another classmate?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Many characters in the memoir battle with debilitating obsessions. Create a list of three characters that deal with various obsessions throughout the course of the memoir. Compare and contrast the way that their obsessions have affected their lives. Finally, explain the way that each of these characters attempted to battle their obsessive tendencies.

Essay Topic 2

The Finch family uses many methods to receive messages from God when they are stressed out about a situation. Compare and contrast the two methods of communication that Hope and Dr. Finch use to speak to God about their troubles, and then explain why you think the Finch family believes that they are in open communication with God about their trivial problems.

Essay Topic 3

Another theme that is very prevalent in the memoir is one of normalcy versus absurdity. Explain what Augusten thought was normal, and give an example of a time that he strove to be normal, fighting against his absurd surroundings. What was the outcome of Augusten's fight for normalcy in that situation?

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