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. Why does Art's father seem to be sad at dinner?

2. What type of flowers does Art send to Phlox.

3. A stranger tells Art a symbolic story of how women have hearts like _____________.

4. Who gives Art the strength to distance himself from his father emotionally?

5. Why does Phlox leave the restaurant early?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the scenario in which Cleveland robs the house?

2. When do Art and Arthur first have sex?

3. What seems to be the source of Art's greatest emotional pain?

4. What is Cleveland's demeanor at the beginning of Chapter 22?

5. What does Cleveland ultimately want from his friendship with Art?

6. How does Cleveland die in Chapter 22?

7. What is Art feeling during the time he has an affair with Arthur in the weather woman's apartment?

8. What is a recurring motif in the story?

9. Who helps Art to free himself of the bonds related to his father?

10. Explain the pull between Art and Cleveland.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Create a character study of Cleveland. What are his physical characteristics? What are his motivations? What are his fears? What are his dreams? What else can you say about Cleveland?

Essay Topic 2

The theme of struggling with personal identity is an important one in this book. Describe how it extends through setting, character and issues and provide examples for each.

Essay Topic 3

Explain the taboo of homosexuality in the 1980s. Compare and contrast homosexuality in America during the 1980s to homosexuality in America today. What major changes have occurred--both positive and negative?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 984 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample