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. In literature, what conflicts arise from obstacles located outside the protagonist including nature, the supernatural, or society?

2. Alfred's new friends explain to him that the fight was called off because Donatelli didn't want what in Chapter 7?

3. In Chapter 6, Henry eventually shows up, telling Alfred that he had to go downtown to pick up something for whom?

4. Who cheers Alfred on as he runs in the morning in Chapter 9?

5. What is Alfred's last name?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Aunt Pearl's reaction to Alfred's news of training as a boxer in Chapter 9?

2. Why does Alfred not back down against the thugs in Chapter 8? How does he feel about this interaction?

3. What does Alfred do when the boys go to rob the store in Chapter 1? Where and why does he go to look for James?

4. How does the author show the differences of the world of television from Alfred's life in Chapter 2?

5. How does Alfred act toward Mr. Donatelli in Chapter 3? What does he tell him is his motivation?

6. Who encounters Alfred and encourages him to stay at the gym in Chapter 6? What does this character tell him?

7. How does Donatelli evaluate Alfred in Chapter 3? What does he ask Alfred?

8. How does Alfred feel about his friendship with James in Chapter 10? What effect does this have on his training?

9. How does the author describe Madison Square Garden in Chapter 7? What are Alfred's impressions?

10. What causes the raised tensions at the gym in Chapter 10? How does Alfred come to view the gym?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Analyze and discuss Alfred's anticipation of his first fight in Chapter 14. How nervous is Alfred? How does Henry feel about the fight? How has the relationship between Alfred and Henry progressed at this point in the narrative?

Essay Topic 2

Analyze and discuss the theme of family in the novel. How is family illustrated at Donatelli's gym? How is this theme expressed through symbolism in the narrative? How does Alfred relate to his family?

Essay Topic 3

Describe and analyze the characters of James, Sonny and Hollis in the novel. When did James befriend Sonny and Hollis? How does Alfred feel about these friends? How long have Alfred and James been friends? How is their friendship described?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,008 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample