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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. How long has it been since the thrashing when Harry is arrested and charged with vandalism in Part Two?

2. What doctor has prescribed sleeping pills for Jane when her family is in seclusion in Part Two?

3. What color are Jane’s eyes described as in the novel?

4. Jane tells the Avenger that Amos Dalton said if she didn’t come out in ten minutes, he was going to do what, in Part Two?

5. What word from Part Two means moved to showing sudden emotion or irritation, especially over a trifling annoyance?

Short Essay Questions

1. What justifications does the author make for Buddy Walker’s behavior in the novel?

2. How does the author delineate the strengths and weaknesses of his characters in We All Fall Down?

3. How does Buddy’s fall at the mall stand out among examples of characters “falling down” in the novel?

4. What is unexpected about the breakup of Jane and Buddy in Part Two?

5. How does the concept of motivation tie into the themes seen in Part One of We All Fall Down?

6. How does the Avenger kill himself in Part Two? Why does he kill himself?

7. What does Mr. Jerome represent symbolically in We All Fall Down?

8. When and where does Jane encounter Buddy after their breakup in Part Two? How have Jane’s feelings changed at this point?

9. What does the character of Harry Flowers represent symbolically in the novel?

10. How does the author characterize the relationship between Buddy and Jane prior to their breakup in the novel?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss Buddy’s concerns regarding the arrest of Harry Flowers. Why does Buddy have a hard time believing Marty and Randy regarding Harry’s past and his loyalty to his friends? What would you feel like if you were in Buddy’s position? What options does Buddy have in terms of acting to protect himself?

Essay Topic 2

How does the theme of isolation apply to the main characters in the story? How has Jane’s sense of isolation increased since the trashing of her home? How does this theme apply to Buddy? How does it apply to Karen Jerome? How does it relate to the Avenger?

Essay Topic 3

Describe and discuss the controversies surrounding the works of Robert Cormier and his response to the criticism that We All Fall Down garnished after publication. How did the author defend his work? What are your thoughts on the banning of this book from libraries? On what grounds has the book been banned?

(see the answer keys)

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