View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who is described as 'lily livered'?

2. What does Finny do with Gene to make him late?

3. What does the substitute teacher want to scold Gene and Finny for missing?

4. What does Finny confess to have had during the fall?

5. Does Gene tell anyone about Finny's broken record?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens when Gene and Finny decide to try another double jump from the branch?

2. After Gene leaps from the branch into the water, how does Finny respond?

3. What does Gene think is the true reason behind hearing that Leper might be jumping from the branch?

4. Describe the opening scene of Devon when the Fall Session convenes.

5. What sport does Finny create in order to make up for the appalling sport in #14?

6. As Gene and Finny are getting ready to sleep on the beach, what does Finny reveal to Gene?

7. What does Gene fear Finny is trying to do when Finny tries to waste Gene's time?

8. Why does Mr. Prud'homme come into Gene and Finny's room the next morning?

9. What is Gene the only witness to?

10. What does Finny decide to do in celebration of the first Allied bombing of Central Europe?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The idea of the war and enlisting seems to be on every boy's mind as they progress through the novel.

Part 1: List the characters who state they want to enlist in the war effort.

Part 2: Which of these characters actually do enlist in the war effort?

Part 3: What does the act of enlisting seem to symbolize for the boys in this story?

Essay Topic 2

From the very beginning, we learn that Gene will be the narrator from the story, but as with any narrator, a reader must question whether they can be trusted or not.

Part 1: Do you think Gene is a reliable narrator? Why or why not?

Part 2: In realizing that Gene might not be the most reliable narrator, how does this change your perception of the story and of Gene and Finny?

Part 3: What other character might prove to be a more reliable narrator? Support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

While Gene is the narrator of the story, it seems most of the action and reaction in the story is related to Finny.

Part 1: Why is Gene the more important character in this novel?

Part 2: Why doesn't Finny make sense as the main character in this book?

Part 3: Is there another character you feel is even more important? Support your answer.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 684 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample