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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 did Jack's father die?

2. What is the name of the town where the story takes place?

3. Where does Jack work after his stint in the Army?

4. How long has the girl in #75 taken care of things for Jack?

5. What does Jack's mother do to him after his father's death?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who is Nora Kramer and what are her personality traits?

2. How does Jack's childhood behavior mirror the environment in his home?

3. Why was Jack expelled from college and where did he go after leaving school?

4. Where do Jack and Pat go to college and how do they like the college experience?

5. How could Jack be characterized as a kid and what were the circumstances of his school years?

6. Compare and contrast Pat and Jack's perspectives on the college experience.

7. What is revealed about Jack's parentage when the author uses a flashback in Chapter 2?

8. Who first notices Jack when he returns to Holt?

9. What information does the author reveal about Jack Burdette at the beginning of the novel?

10. Who does Pat marry, and what is their early married life like?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Survival seems to be almost an unnamed character in the book. How pervasive is the sense of survival? Why does it have such a prevalent place in the characters' lives? Explain how an inanimate object or characteristic can be a character.

Essay Topic 2

The author uses several instances of foreshadowing in the story. Explain what foreshadowing is and cite at least two examples making sure to explain what makes each an instance of foreshadowing.

Essay Topic 3

What is the significance of the book's title? What are some other possible titles for the book. List at least five and cite your reasons for each.

(see the answer keys)

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