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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. Where does James stay the night in this chapter?

2. What type of cancer is Ruth diagnosed with in this chapter?

3. What does Ruth receive a degree in?

4. What is the name of the man whose father took over the Shilski's store?

5. What is the name of the new man Aunt Mary hires in this chapter?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the time James tried to teach his mother how to drive.

2. How is Ruth's life getting better at the age of sixty five?

3. Describe the character of Andrew.

4. Why do Ruth's parents refuse to get a divorce?

5. What does Aubrey Rubenstein tell James in Chapter 22?

6. In what way do Ruth and Andrew become more involved in religion in Chapter 23?

7. How have Ruth's parents lives changed?

8. How does Ruth's relationship with Andrew affect her family life?

9. How is Delaware different from New York?

10. In what way does James' life take a turn for the better in Delaware?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Examine McBride's writing style. How would you describe his prose style? What kind of vocabulary does he use? Does he use any specific writing techniques? What meaning does McBride's style give to his story?

Essay Topic 2

Pick a character from the novel and discuss his goals and motives. Does he achieve his motive? Why? Does he share similar goals and motives with other characters? Do his goals clash with other characters? How do the characters' goals and motives affect their interaction with each other?

Essay Topic 3

Examine James' relationship with his mother.

1) How did James' mother help him become a success in life?

2) How does James' relationship with his mother develop throughout the book?

3) Why does it become so important for James to develop a stronger relationship with his mother?

(see the answer keys)

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