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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. On what date does Nick tell the newsboy to return?

2. Which of the following does not describe Tom?

3. What does Harry do while the other men in the bar engage in a spirited conversation?

4. What does Joe send Tom out to buy?

5. What nationality do Joe and the woman share?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does the author foreshadow some conflict regarding the character of Blick?

2. What is it that Tom wants to ask Joe and what prompts his need to ask?

3. How does Joe engage the woman sitting alone at the center table in the bar?

4. How is Nick described in Act 1?

5. How is Dudley described in Act 1?

6. What is the setting for Act 2?

7. What toy do Tom and Joe bring Kitty to cheer her up?

8. Describe Joe's introspective mood tonight.

9. A man called The Arab has a standard answer for everything. What does the Arab say?

10. How is Harry described in Act 1?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The theme of evolution of character is an important one in this story. Describe how it extends through setting, character and issues and provide examples for each.

Essay Topic 2

THE TIME OF YOUR LIFE is set in 1939--following the Great Depression in America and before the start of World War II. What impact did these two major events have on Saroyan? What impact did they have on his work, especially THE TIME OF YOUR LIFE. Explain.

Essay Topic 3

Explain the role of women in the 1930s when the women in the novel are living their lives. What precedents do they feel compelled to follow? What restrictions do they have? What freedoms did they have that 21st century women do not have?

(see the answer keys)

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