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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 does Sammy do when he sees the mistake in Al's article?

2. What does Rosalie ask of Al in Chapter Three?

3. How does Al liken himself to Sammy?

4. What does Al find out about Sammy's movie review in Chapter Five?

5. How does Sammy react to Al when Al approaches him?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Al compare Sammy to a time bomb ticking in his brain in Chapter Six?

2. In Chapter Eight, after he reads about Sammy's payment for his play, why does Al ask Sammy if he can console him?

3. Why is there tension at The Guild meeting in Chapter Seven?

4. Describe what Al and Kit talk about when they go to Kit's house in Chapter Seven.

5. What happens when Kit, Billie, and Al go over to Sammy's house in Chapter Four?

6. Kit and Al agree that Hollywood is a tough town. How does Kit answer when Al questions why Hollywood is tougher than anywhere else?

7. Describe Al Manheim's first impression of Sammy Glick.

8. What happens when Sammy asks Al to introduce him to Mr. Opdyke at Sammy's birthday dinner?

9. In Chapter Four, how does Al react when Kit tells him she has met "Sammy Glicks" before? And what does Kit mean?

10. In Chapter Two, what does Al mean when he says, "America, America... God shed His Grace on thee?"

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The characters Sammy Glick and Julian Blumberg have a similar social class background, but their attitudes and way of life are completely different. Compare and contrast Sammy and Julian. Be sure to include examples from the text.

Essay Topic 2

Al and Kit's relationship slowly develops throughout the story. Cite three scenes (one from the beginning, one from the middle, and one from the end) in which Al and Kit interact. Explore how these scenes develop their relationship.

Essay Topic 3

The novel "What Makes Sammy Run?" illustrates a stark contrast between poverty and wealth. Discuss the use and meaning of three material objects in the novel. How do they reflect wealth or poverty?

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