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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 does May think Eddie won't get far with his new woman?

2. What kind of vehicle does Dick see pulling into his drive in Chapter 41?

3. What is one of the sensations that Dick has when he awakens?

4. Who hails Dick from another boat?

5. Which of the following is NOT a reaction from the other men watching the documentary?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Dick feel himself becoming more like the people he used to hate?

2. Explain the three forces with which Dick battles during the hurricane.

3. How does Dick avoid telling May the truth about his affair with Elsie?

4. What mood does the author establish with the brevity of Chapter 47?

5. What news does Dick learn when he overhears a conversation between Elsie and Mary?

6. What happens in Chapter 44 that exacerbates Dick's gloomy feelings when he is on shore?

7. How does Elsie interpret Dick's comment that they are similar to Marie and Parker?

8. Describe the climax of the story as Dick's new boat is christened and launched.

9. Why does May ask Dick for $100?

10. Why does Dick continue to feel instability on land, especially after discovering Marie having sex with Parker?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe the overall setting for the novel. Why does Casey use the setting he does? What is the time period of the story? How important is the time period to the attitudes and issues of the characters?

Essay Topic 2

The role of women is a main topic addressed in this story. Explain the theme that extends through all the female characters. What is the presumed role of women in America during the 1980s? Explain by giving examples.

Essay Topic 3

Even though they are both important in Dick's life, May and Elsie are very different. Compare and contrast May and Elsie. What similarities do they share? How are they different?

(see the answer keys)

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