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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. Of his father and of the old Indian that repaired the canoe, Howard says in Chapter 3, "My memories of them are" what?

2. What word used in Chapter 3 means concerned with relatively minor, irrelevant, or superficial aspects of something?

3. What magazine does Nikki Bocheki read while she sits with George in Chapter 4?

4. What word from Chapter 4 means serving as a relief?

5. Edward Billings is the manager of what bank frequented by George?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the principle motif used throughout Tinkers? What does this motif represent?

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

3. Who does Howard Crosby marry in Philadelphia? How is this character described?

4. How do George's memories of his father relate to the theme of rites of passage in Tinkers?

5. How would you describe the language style of Tinkers? Is the language easy to understand?

6. What is epilepsy? How was this disorder treated in the 1920s/1930s?

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

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

9. What regret does Howard display regarding his father in the beginning of Chapter 3?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Examine the theme of heartache in Tinkers. How does Howard perceive the feelings of heartache and loss that he feels each day? How does George perceive these feelings within himself? What does it say about George and Howard that they perceive pain so differently?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the unseen character of Tom Budden and the story about Budden’s house in Chapter 2. Why does the author include this story in Tinkers? What does the door to Tom Budden’s house represent symbolically in the novel?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss Kathleen’s mindset as she takes George to see the doctor in Chapter 2. What do you think Kathleen and Dr. Box are discussing when Kathleen cries? How does George respond to seeing his mother in a vulnerable state? How does Kathleen go about composing herself?

(see the answer keys)

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