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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. Who have gone away on a break, leaving Alfred alone at the apartment in Chapter 10?

2. Who comes to the gym and tells Alfred that he should join them that night in Chapter 10?

3. When was author Robert Lipsyte born?

4. What does Alfred do in order to erase the negative thoughts from his mind in Chapter 10?

5. Everyone who works at the arena in Chapter 7 seems to be what?

Short Essay Questions

1. 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?

2. What is juxtaposed against Alfred's home life in Chapter 4? What contrast is illustrated?

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

4. How does Alfred's relationship with Henry develop in Chapter 7?

5. Describe the character of Alfred in Chapter 1. Where does Alfred live and what does the exposition reveal about his history?

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

7. How is the fight described in Chapter 7?

8. When does Alfred wake and leave the apartment in Chapter 2? Who does he encounter on his way out?

9. How does Alfred begin his workout at the gym in Chapter 6? What other trainers does he interact with?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Describe and analyze the character of Mr. Epstein in "The Contender". How does Alfred feel about his boss? How long have Alfred and Mr. Epstein known one another? What is Mr. Epstein's history in the boxing world?

Essay Topic 3

Describe and analyze the characters of Henry, Bud and Red in the novel. How does Alfred relate to each of these characters? What is symbolic about the relationships of the characters? How do these relationships evolve?

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