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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. True of False: only men who grew up without fathers and boys who are being without fathers will benefit from reading this book.

2. What kind of class does Miller attend at church in Oregon?

3. Who is Miller's intended audience?

4. Prior to accepting God as a father, Miller describes his journey as ________.

5. What tasks must elephants accomplish when they reach puberty?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Chapter 4, Miller begins to understand the importance of a relationship with God as a "father figure." What does he learn?

2. Miller states that his experience in which he did not get to enter a derby car in the race did not affect him. Do you agree? Why or why not?

3. In Chapter 3, Miller admits to being resentful towards authority figures. To whom is he referring and why?

4. Miller identifies several areas in his life affected by not having a father. What are these areas?

5. In Chapter 5, what does Miller describe as crucial tasks of families?

6. How does Miller get to Boring, Oregon?

7. Miller's mother attempts to find father figures for her son in several places. Describe Miller's mother's efforts. How successful were these efforts?

8. What is the author's intent in writing this book?

9. The author's writing style should appeal to whom?

10. The author introduces the concept of a spiritual journey in Chapter 4. Describe Miller's reaction to this spiritual journey.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Most books have many characters. Memoirs, in particular, are often very focused on a person and his/her family. Who were the primary characters in this book? What techniques did the author present these characters to the reader? What do you know about these characters? What do you believe should have been shared with the reader that was not? Do the characters change across the book? If yes, how? What are the strengths of the way in the primary characters were presented? The limitations? How did you respond to these characters as the book developed.

Essay Topic 2

Chapters 9 & 10 are short but both contain very important information about sex and love. What are the primary points made about sex and love and how are these two issues connected to Miller's concern about being raised without a father?

Essay Topic 3

Miller's mother dies without telling him who his father is. There are many reasons why women would chose not to tell their children about how they were conceived or who their fathers were. Identify and discuss the reasons Miller's mother may have decided not to tell him who his father is. Discuss potential impact each reason may have had on Miller.

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