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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 does Alfred fight in Chapter 16?

2. Who ends up chasing Alfred in Chapter 12?

3. Alfred feels like there is a cold spot where in Chapter 14?

4. What is the outcome of the fight in Chapter 19?

5. Who comes into the store but Alfred avoids him in Chapter 12?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Alfred exhibit discipline during the fight in Chapter 14?

2. How does Mr. Donatelli feel about the fight in Chapter 14? What does his gift represent to Alfred?

3. Describe Alfred's confrontation with James in Chapter 20. What is the outcome of their exchange?

4. Who is present at Thanksgiving dinner in Chapter 17? What is discussed regarding boxing at dinner?

5. Where does Alfred go after being chased by the cops in Chapter 12? What does he do and think about his situation?

6. How has the relationship between Alfred and Henry changed in Chapter 13?

7. What does Mr. Donatelli encourage Alfred to do in Chapter 18? Why?

8. What leads to Alfred's lapse in training in Chapter 12? What does he do instead?

9. How has working with Alfred changed Henry in Chapter 19? What does Henry reveal to Alfred in the chapter?

10. What exchange does Alfred have with Mr. Donatelli in Chapter 12? Where?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Define, analyze and discuss character action and objective in the novel. What is Alfred's overall objective in the novel? How does he go about achieving that objective? Why does Mr. Epstein discourage Alfred from pursuing a boxing career?

Essay Topic 2

Analyze and discuss the theme of racism in the novel. How does Alfred feel about the racial tensions around him? How important is race to the characters in the book? How is race seen differently in the different settings in the novel?

Essay Topic 3

Analyze and discuss the strategies used in the fight in Chapter 7. Why does Donatelli call an end to the fight? What is Willie's reaction? What is Willie's relationship to Donatelli like?

(see the answer keys)

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