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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 kind of reaction does Katherine give Stoner after giving her presentation in his class?

2. What is the only reason Stoner won't leave Edith?

3. How does Edith buy new clothes after her father's death?

4. Who aided Lomax in engineering university policies to help Walker?

5. What does Stoner find unfavorable at work after Lomax takes over the English department?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does William's teaching schedule change after Lomax is appointed chair of the English department?

2. How do William and Katherine begin their love affair with one another?

3. How is William able to get his preferred class schedule back from Lomax in Chapter XIV?

4. How does Lomax aid Charles Walker during his oral examinations?

5. How is William's first meeting with Charles Walker described?

6. How is William's first out-of-body experience described in the book?

7. How does William react when Finch suggests he pass Walker because he could lose his job?

8. How does Charles Walker arrive to his first class with William?

9. How does Edith cause Grace to not be able to spend time with William as a child?

10. How does Edith's social life change after her father's death?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Examine the theme of dedication that is portrayed in the book. Why does William show such dedication to Edith, especially during his relationship with Katherine, considering the turmoil and challenges he experiences in his home life? What is telling about his nature based on his dedication to his family?

Essay Topic 2

The author often places emphasis on the concept of war in various parts of the book. Part 1.) Discuss Archer Sloane's views of the war and examine the impact it had on his psyche in the book. Part 2.) How does William's view of war change from World War I and World War II, and how does this mirror Sloane's feelings towards war? Part 3.) Considering this book was published during the Vietnam War, what message might the author be giving about war in his portrayal of it in the book?

Essay Topic 3

Compare and contrast William and Edith's parenting style in the book. What motivates each of these character's parenting styles in the book and are they successful parents to Grace?

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