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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. What religion is Megan's mother said to be in Chapter 4?

2. What does Howard witness a fish do as he sits in the pond watching the Indian in Chapter 3?

3. When Howard's mother helps his father dress before he is taken away in Chapter 3, Howard describes it as appearing as though she is dressing what?

4. George awakens for the last time how many hours before he dies in Chapter 4?

5. What year is it when Howard dies in Chapter 4?

Short Essay Questions

1. How did Howard's loss of his own father later influence his actions with his wife and children?

2. What is the significance of the title of Tinkers? Who does this term apply to in the novel?

3. What hallucinations does Howard experience in Tagg Pond in Chapter 3, Part 2?

4. How would you describe George's relationship with his family as he passes from life in Tinkers?

5. How is the disappearance of Reverend Crosby described in Chapter 3, Part 1? How does Howard's mother address the issue?

6. How does Howard's medical condition change after he moves away and begins living under an alias?

7. Where does Megan go during the Christmas holidays in 1953? What does Howard do after she leaves?

8. Whom does George ask for when he awakens in Chapter 4, Part 1? Who is sitting with George?

9. Where does Howard go to search for his father after Reverend Crosby's disappearance in Chapter 3?

10. How would you compare the "disappearances" of Reverend Crosby and Howard Crosby in the novel?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the symbolism and imagery depicted in George’s building of the funeral pyre for the dead mouse in Chapter 2. Why does George do this? What does Howard think as he watches his son? What does this action tell you about George’s character?

Essay Topic 2

Analyze and discuss the character of Howard Aaron Crosby in Tinkers. How is Howard perceived by his wife and children? How does the narrator describe Howard’s seizures? In what ways is Howard similar to George? How is he different?

Essay Topic 3

Describe and analyze the characters of Reverend and Mrs. Crosby in Tinkers. How old are Rev. Crosby and Mrs. Crosby in Howard’s flashbacks to his father’s mental deterioration? What kind of relationship do they have with their son? What do you think are the causes of Reverend Crosby’s collapse?

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