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This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Al realize about Sammy's play, "Live Wire?"

2. When Al goes to visit Sammy at his apartment in New York. what does Sammy mean when he says "they" don't know how to be happy?

3. In the conclusion of the book. what does Al say he hopes for Sammy's life?

4. What do Al and Kit talk about when they walk to the beach?

5. In Chapter Eight, when they are at lunch, what news does Julian give to Al and Sammy?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Friendship is an important theme in the novel, "What Makes Sammy Run?" Discuss the theme of friendship and trust in the story. Choose two sets of characters and explain their friendship and the trust/ distrust they have with one another.

Essay Topic 2

On several occasions Al Manheim ruminates on "The American Dream" in this story. How is "The American Dream" an important theme? Discuss the way the theme affects the characters in the novel.

Essay Topic 3

Throughout the story, Sammy frequently buys new shoes. What is the significance of Sammy's new shoes? Consider what the shoes represent symbolically and literally.

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This section contains 338 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample