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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. When the doctor questions him in Act 1, Scene 2, what does Jim say about his life?

2. What kind of mood is Jim in as the fifth scene in the play begins?

3. How many days have passed since the previous scene as the third scene in Act 1 begins?

4. What does Ann accept from Miss Cardell while she waits with Jim in the second scene of Act 1?

5. Who does Ann originally share her concerns with about Jim's ability to leave the hospital?

Short Essay Questions

1. When does Act 3, Scene 2 take place and who is meeting at the beginning of the scene?

2. What is interesting about the things that Jim tells Dr. Bellman about Ann, and what he will not tell him about Charlotte?

3. What do Grosberg and Mr. Fleming reveal to Jim that surprises him, and how does it reflect a larger issue in the hospital?

4. How is Jim calmed down after his outburst and what is again brought into focus?

5. Who is Gregory and what point does he make at the end of Act 2, Scene 1?

6. Who is Harry, what is he like, and how does Jim respond to him?

7. How does Jim handle Dr. Bellman in the fourth scene of Act 3 and why?

8. How does Dr. Kramer assess Jim and what does that mean for his possible release?

9. How does Jim exit Act 3, Scene 3, and what does Ann tell Dr. Bellman?

10. What does Dr. Bellman try to do at the beginning of Act 3, Scene 4?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What were some of the key turning points for Jim and Ann throughout the play? Describe the situations that revealed significant shifts in their relationship, or realizations that altered it dramatically. Also, include your reasons for selecting those events using the play to support your choices.

Essay Topic 2

Analyze why the author chooses The Shrike for the title of the book. Describe in detail what a shrike is and which characters personify it the most in the play. Include a description of the events the characters are involved in and how they they reflect a shrike's actions.

Essay Topic 3

Harry visits Jim and provides a suggestion that leads to Jim's release from the hospital.

1) Describe Harry and his character traits in detail. How are they different than Jim's? In what way does Harry's priorities dictate his actions and cause him to become weaker?

2) What can Harry do to help Jim? Why does he instead choose to see his brother suffer? Which characteristics of Harry prevent him from standing up to Ann?

3) What is the plan that Harry suggests to Jim and why does the author choose him to introduce it? Why has Jim not thought of this before?

(see the answer keys)

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