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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. When Paul thinks he figures out who is leaving notes for Sean, what does he leave in that girl's mailbox?

2. Who finds their professor passed out in his office, reeking of marijuana?

3. On what day of the week does Paul leave school to visit with his mother?

4. Which of the following is NOT something Lauren is self-conscious about?

5. Which of the following adjectives does Paul use to describe Candice, Mitchell's date to the party?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the reaction of friends when word spreads that Tim has gotten Sara pregnant?

2. What connection does the drug addict Marc make to his addiction and JFK's assassination?

3. How does Mitchell treat Paul after the first time they sleep together?

4. Why does Sean think that Lauren is the girl leaving love notes in his mailbox?

5. What event prevents Paul from meeting Sean for their "date"?

6. Why is Paul hesitant to meet his mother in Boston when she requests a visit?

7. How does Paul react when he hears that someone is dropping love notes in Sean's mailbox?

8. How does Sean react when Paul meets him to apologize for missing their date?

9. How does Lauren react when she is approached by the freshman, Steve, at The Commons?

10. What type of mysterious letters are being dropped in Sean's mailbox, and who does he think the letters are from?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Lauren's relationship with Vittrio is clearly a turning-point in her character's life. First, describe the character of Vittrio and how he and Lauren found themselves in a romantic relationship. Then, explain Sean's reaction to the news of Lauren's relationship with Vittrio. How did this affair alter their own relationship? Finally, explain how Lauren's relationship with Vittrio can be traced back to her childhood insecurities. What does this relationship tell the reader about the maturity of her character?

Essay Topic 2

When Lauren breaks up with Sean, he tries a few very lame attempts to kill himself and tries to convince Lauren that his death is imminent at the Halloween party. First, describe the various suicide attempts that Sean tries after his break up with Lauren. How does the reader know that Sean is not serious about trying to end his own life? Then, describe Sean's outburst at the Halloween party after he sees Lauren dancing with another man. How does Lauren react to this violent outburst? What does Lauren's reaction tell the reader about her relationship with Sean?

Essay Topic 3

At the end of the novel, Sean seems to have learned nothing from experience and does not seem to have matured. Is there any character in the novel who seems to have learned from past mistakes? Support your answer with specific details from the novel.

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