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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 is the owner of Michelangelos's?

2. At what gate does Phoebe first meet Julian?

3. What does Phoebe's father do?

4. Why does Will say that he would like to learn how to fly a plane?

5. Who is the waiter that wins the pool when the waitstaff places a bet at the restaurant?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does John Leal go to Hilcox Street?

2. What is the name of the pregnant girl whom John Leal met in a gulag?

3. What beverage do Will and Phoebe drink during their first visit to John Leal's house?

4. What personal item of Phoebe's does John Leal look inside?

5. Where does John Leal's group kneel each morning?

6. In what city does John Leal end up after leaving Noxhurst?

7. Where does Will work?

8. What fraternity does Will pledge?

9. Why does the usual piano player at John Leal's not able to play on Phoebe's first evening at John Leal's house?

10. From what building on Noxhurst does Will imagine the explosion being watched?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The author describes the actions and thoughts of pro-life activists at select moments in the novel. Explore the author's depiction of this stance, focusing on her description of their activities and motives (in letters, dialogue, and a the pro-life march). Finally, how might the tone used to describe this stance be indicative of the author's own view?

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay in which you address the theme of alcoholism in the novel. In your essay, consider how a least two characters use alcohol. You might also consider what types of alcohol are featured in the novel and in what contexts. Conclude by stating whether you think one or more characters demonstrates symptoms of alcoholism.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay in which you address whether Phoebe and Will are reliable narrators or not. You can argue differently for each character. Use evidence from the text to support your conclusion.

(see the answer keys)

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