Name: ____________________ Date: Summer 2018Assignment: 7th English – Summer Homework 1

Summer Novel: The Contender by Robert LipsyteDirections: Over the summer, you will read The Contender by Robert Lipsyte. This is a coming-of-age novel in which the protagonist, a black seventeen-year-old high school dropout named Alfred Brooks, lives with his Aunt Pearl and her three daughters in Harlem, a predominantly African American neighborhood in Manhattan, New York City, in the mid-1960s.

Be Ready: You will have a quiz AND possibly a Socratic Seminar on this novel when you return to school!

Name: ____________________________ Date: Summer 2018Assignment: 7th English – Summer Homework 1

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Parent SignatureThis signature confirms that my student _________________________ has

read this novel carefully and has completed this packet to the best of his / her ability.______________________________ __________________Signature Date

The Contender – Answer Sheet

Directions: Place the letter of your answer choice to the multiple choice questions in the box corresponding to the number of the question. Use the lines provided within the packet to answer the open-ended responses.

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CHAPTER 1:

1. Chapter 1 Summary: ____________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2. Why is Alfred looking for James at the beginning of chapter 1?a. James and Alfred are going to the clubhouse together.b. James and Alfred are going to rob a grocery store together.c. James and Alfred are going to their secret cave together.d. James and Alfred are going to see a movie together.

3. What sort of job does Alfred have? a. He delivers groceries on a bicycle.b. He sweeps and stocks a grocery store.c. He works the cash register at a grocery store.d. He washes cars for the owners of a grocery store.

4. On page 4, when it says “Jews squeeze the eagle till it screams”, who is

the “eagle”? a. White people b. Alfred and Jamesc. The Epsteins d. Alfred

5. On page 6, when it says “James’ chubby face was set and unsmiling as Major continued his imitation, scratching his nose, pouting his lips, and shambling loosely like a puppet at the end of jerking strings.” “Shambling” means

a. Energetically bouncing b. Slowly walking c. Awkwardly shuffling d. Angrily stomping

6. Why do Major and the boys feel justified to break into Epstein’s? a. They were disrespected by the Jewish community in the past. b. They are poor and think that white society has too much money anyway. c. They want to prove that white society doesn’t have control over their

lives.d. They are reclaiming what white society has unjustly taken from them.

7. Write the quote from the text that supports your previous answer. _______________________

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8. Based on their interactions on pages 7-9, what is the best way to describe how Alfred treats Henry?

a. Panicky b. Blithely c. Ambivalently d. Furiously

9. A bystander of the police response to the Epstein break-in grumbles, “Only reason po-lice up here to watch out for them white stores.” (pg. 10) What does this bystander likely mean? __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

CHAPTERS 2 and 3:

10. Chapters 2 and 3 Summary: ________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

11. After Alfred finds out that James is arrested, what is the best way to describe how Alfred feels?

a. Indifferent b. Confusedc. Guilty d. Excited

12. On page 25, why does Alfred drop to his knees behind a parked car? a. He is embarrassed to see Henry. b. He doesn’t want Henry to invite him to the gym again. c. He dropped a coin on the ground and searching to find it. d. He doesn’t wasn’t to talk to the group of boys lounging on the corner.

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13. On page 26, why does Alfred think about Joe Louis and Sugar Ray Robinson as he looks up at Donatelli’s gym?

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14. What exactly is Alfred told to do by Mr. Donatelli when he first arrives at the gym?

a. Punch the peanut bag until it sounds like a machine gun. b. Jump rope, do sit-ups, push-ups, and deep knee bends. c. Explain why he has come to the gym and why he wants to become a

boxer. d. Punch the peanut bag and the heavy bag.

15. With what tone does Mr. Donatelli speak to Alfred when they first meet?

a. Cold and flat b. Encouragingly and warmc. Pessimistically d. Angrily

CHAPTER 4:

16.Chapter 4 Summary: __________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

17. Who is Harold? a. A famous Nationalist rally leader trying to recruit Alfredb. An old friend of Alfred’s from childhood c. A cool Ivy League type giving out pamphlets for change d. A politically active acquaintance of Alfred’s from high school

18. On page 39, why does the serene look on Aunt Pearl’s face make Alfred angry?

a. Alfred thinks Aunt Pearl is too religious for her own goodb. Alfred thinks Aunt Pearl too calm in such a rambunctious crowdc. Alfred thinks Aunt Pearl is too supportive of the Nationalist rally d. Alfred thinks Aunt Pearl is too secure in the midst of danger

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19. What is the best way to describe how Alfred feels when hearing about his cousin Jeff?

a. Joyfulb. Disgustedc. Embarrassedd. Proud

20. At the end of chapter four, Alfred sets his alarm clock for 5:30 am. Why does he do this?

a. He needs to get the Epsteins early for blue, filthy Monday. b. He needs to leave earlier than usual in order to avoid Major and the

boys. c. He needs to go back to Donatelli’s gym to retrieve something he forgot. d. He needs to go on a run in order to start training to become a boxer.

21. The metaphor “He’s got his foot on your throat, you gonna lick his shoe?” is stated several times throughout the passage. Who and what is this metaphor referring to?

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CHAPTERS 5 and 6:22.Chapters 5 and 6 Summary: ____________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

23. Why do the police stop Alfred on his run? a. The police officers are suspicious of a black man running b. The police officers just feel like poking fun at someonec. The police officers are bored because it is so early in the morningd. The police officers want to arrest Alfred for trespassing24. Which if the following did NOT occur on Alfred’s first day back at work after the break-in?a. James came around the store b. Alfred ate lunch in the back by himselfc. Two detectives came to the store d. Alfred took the money to the bank

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25. On page 60, the words, “rackety-rackety-rackety” are an example of what type of figurative language?

a. Simile b. Onomatopoeiac. Metaphord. Hyperbole

26. When Alfred first arrives at the gym, why does he feel the urge to leave?

a. He couldn’t find Henry or Mr. Donatelli b. He couldn’t afford the two dollar fee to use the gym c. He felt that the violence of boxing was overwhelming d. He saw Major there and didn’t want to have to talk to him

27. Why does Bud tell everyone in the gym not to tell Mr. Donatelli about his dispute with Red?

a. Bud doesn’t Mr. Donatelli to fire him and get rid of Red for breaking the rulesb. Bud doesn’t want Mr. Donatelli to know that Red tried to boss him aroundc. Bud wants to tell Mr. Donatelli himself on his own time d. Bud doesn’t want Mr. Donatelli to make him pay for Red’s doctor bills

CHAPTER 7:28.Chapter 7: ____________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________

29. Who are “Mosely of the Jungle” and “Bad Brooks”?a. The two men in the ring’s fighting names b. Morris and Hollis’ fighting names c. Jelly Belly and Henry’s fighting names d. James and Alfred’s fighting names

30. Why does the crowd boo Mr. Donatelli and Bud as they leave with Willie?

a. They were mad that Becker had won the fight b. They are not fans of Willie c. They are made Mr. Donatelli stopped the fight d. They are made at Becker for knocking Willie out

31. On page 84, when discussing Willie’s fight, Spoon says to Alfred, “I can’t think of another manager that would have done that.” What does this say about Mr. Donatelli?

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What does this say about other managers? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

32. Why did Spoon quit boxing? a. He was injured too much. b. Mr. Donatelli told him to stop. c. He wanted to become a teacher. d. He got married to his wife.

33. At the end of chapter 7, why does Alfred thank Henry? a. Because Henry introduced him to Mr. Donatellib. Because Henry and his dad carried him home when he was beaten upc. Because Henry has always been so kind to him even when he paid no

attention to himd. Because Henry got him the tickets to Madison Square Garden

CHAPTERS 8 and 9:34.Chapters 8 and 9 Summary: ____________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

35. What does Alfred have to decide by Thursday? a. Whether or not he disconnect the security alarm at Epsteinsb. Whether or not he will help James break out of jail

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c. Whether or not he will help Major, Hollis and Sonny reclaim the clubhoused. Whether or not he will rejoin the gang by allowing Major to give him the

squealer’s scar

36. What is the best way to describe how Alfred deals with his confrontation with Major?

a. Completely confident and calm b. Nervous yet firm c. Panicked and frightened d. Rude and disrespectful

37. Why is Aunt Pearl surprised by Alfred’s good mood in chapter 9? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

CHAPTER 10:38.Chapter 10 Summary: _________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

39. What is Reverend Price’s response to Aunt Pearl when she tells him about Alfred’s goal of becoming a boxer?

a. He is encouraging of Alfred in his pursuits. b. He praises boxing as a great way to get rid of physical energy. c. He tries to convince Alfred to devote his life to the church. d. He dismisses it as a passing phase.

40. Why does Alfred’s attitude towards his job at Epsteins change? a. He is allowed to take the money to the bank again. b. He has been promoted to work at the cash register. c. He feels like he is training as he lifts and carries things.

41. Who does Lou Epstein blame for boxing becoming a dying sport? a. Rags to riches boxers and b. Crooks and manipulative managersc. Television and fame d. Crooks, manipulative managers, and television

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42. On page 108, it reads, “‘Real good speed on the bag, Alfred’ said Henry. ‘Anybody can do that,’ said Alfred. Henry looked away.” Why does Henry look away?

a. Henry thinks Alfred is becoming overly cocky with his boxing abilities. b. Henry is shy around Alfred because Alfred has gotten so good at boxing. c. Henry is ashamed because he can’t hit the peanut bag due to his

disability.d. Henry is so happy for Alfred’s progress that he can’t look him in the eye.

43. What is the best way to describe Alfred’s mood as he leaves the gym at the end of chapter 10?

a. Upset because he misses James. b. Frustrated because he hasn’t been in the ring yet. c. Angry at Major for interrupting his training. d. Excited to go to the party Major has invited him to.

44. Why does Alfred decide to go to the clubroom at the end of chapter 10?

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CHAPTERS 11 and 12:45.Chapter 11 and 12 Summary: __________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

46. Based on James and Alfred’s interaction in chapter 11, how does James feel about Alfred?

a. Livid at Alfred because he thinks Alfred knew about the burglar alarm

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b. Disappointed in Alfred because Alfred never tried to contact him while he in jail

47. Where is Alfred at the beginning of chapter 12? a. Donatelli’s gym b. The clubroomc. Aunt Pearl’sd. Aunt Dorothy’s

48. On page 124 it says, “The conga drums were pounding in his head.” What does this mean?

a. Alfred is listening to music.b. Alfred thinks the TV is too loud. c. Alfred has a headache. d. Alfred hears the phone ringing again.

49. Why does Alfred run out of Major’s car on Coney Island? a. Because Major hit a baby carriage with his reckless driving and Alfred

doesn’t feel safe. b. Because Major stole the car and Alfred doesn’t want to get caught in a

stolen car. c. Because the police are chasing Major for an outstanding arrest warrant. d. Because he feels sick and doesn’t want to throw up in the car in front of

everyone.

50. Why does Alfred return Donatelli’s gym? Be specific in your answer and provide evidence from the text.

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51. At the end of chapter 12, how does Alfred’s conversation with Mr. Donatelli convince him to continue training at the gym?

a. His conversation with Mr. Donatelli makes him miss the guys at the gym and the training every day.

b. His conversation with Mr. Donatelli makes him feel guilty and irresponsible for leaving in the first place.

c. His conversation with Mr. Donatelli makes him feel like he is letting Aunt Pearl and that he owes her at least a boxing career.

d. His conversation with Mr. Donatelli makes him realize that it’s up to him to decide if he is a contender or not.

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CHAPTER 13:52.Chapter 13 Summary: _________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________

53. On page 143, Mr. Donatelli says to Alfred, “Not bad” and Alfred thinks to himself, “That’s like a medal from anyone else.” Why does Alfred think this?

a. Mr. Donatelli doesn’t give compliments to his boxers often. b. Other managers are too preoccupied with wealth. c. Other managers give out medals often to their boxers. d. Mr. Donatelli does not care for his boxers like other managers do.

54. Who is Kid Ryan? a. Another boxer at the gym that spars with Alfred sometimes. b. Another manager that competes with Mr. Donatelli. c. Another boxer that fought Lou Epstein in the past. d. Another boxer that wants a rematch with Bud.

55. At the end of chapter 13, why does Mr. Donatelli jump into the ring and grab Alfred’s glove?

a. Time is up for Alfred’s sparring practice with Jose. b. Jose was out cold and Mr. Donatelli was angry at Alfred.c. Alfred needs to go get a new custom mouthpiece. d. Mr. Donatelli is protecting Jose from getting hurt.

56. Why does Mr. Donatelli tell Alfred to get fitted for a custom-made mouthpiece?

a. Mr. Donatelli is scared Alfred will get hurt during practice.b. Mr. Donatelli thinks Alfred is ready for a real match.c. Alfred lost his other mouthpiece and needs a new one.d. Alfred’s mouthpiece was broken during his sparring with Jose.

CHAPTER 14:57.Chapter 14 Summary: _________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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58. With regard to their interaction on page 151-152, what is the best way to describe how Henry feels when he picks up Alfred?

a. Sickb. Livid c. Anxiousd. Ecstatic

59. Which of the following did NOT happen while at Spoon’s apartment?

a. Alfred and Henry explored the enormous Witherspoon book collection b. The Witherspoons, Henry, Alfred, and Donatelli ate a steak dinner

togetherc. Alfred tried to take a nap in a dark room by himself until Donatelli

arrived d. Alfred, Henry and Spoon went on a stroll around the neighborhood

together

60. Why is the crowd booing during Alfred’s fight against Rivera? a. They are rooting for Rivera but Alfred is winning b. They are rooting for Alfred but Rivera is winningc. They are angry because Alfred and Rivera aren’t fighting enoughd. They are angry at the referee for making a bad call against Rivera

61. Why is Rivera apologizing to Alfred at the end of the chapter?a. He feels bad for punching Alfred after the bellb. He feels bad for winning against Alfred on a cheap call by the refereec. He feels bad for getting Alfred booed by the crowdd. He feels bad because he let Alfred win the fight

62. At the end of the chapter, how does Donatelli feel after Alfred’s fight?

a. Jubilant b. Guilty c. Disappointed d. Lethargic

63. On page 177, Donatelli says, “That’s not enough.” What does he mean by this statement?

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CHAPTERS 15 and 16:64.Chapters 15 and 16 Summary: __________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________

65. On page 179-180, why does Aunt Pearl tell Alfred the story about her past?

a. To show Alfred that she was seventeen once too and knows what it is like to be a teenager

b. To make Alfred feel guilty about boxing all the time and not spending time with his family

c. To imply to Alfred that he a better hobby than boxing is to join the church choir

d. To tell Alfred that she understands why he is taking advantage of this boxing opportunity

66. Why didn’t Aunt Pearl take the singing opportunity? a. Aunt Pearl’s mother thought fame was disgraceful b. Aunt Pearl’s sisters were better singers and took the opportunity insteadc. Aunt Pearl met her husband, John, and had her three daughters d. Aunt Pearl thought that fame was sinful

67. In the beginning of chapter 16, why does Alfred feel sick when he knocks his opponent out?

a. He feels guilty for winning by knockout which makes him nauseous b. He feels ashamed for listening to the crowd again which makes him

nauseous c. He feels nauseous due to the severe pain in his arm and shoulder from

his hard hookd. He feels guilty for fighting despite Aunt Pearl’s warnings which makes

him nauseous

68. On page 186-187, why does Mr. Epstein tell Alfred he is “fired until tomorrow morning, eight-thirty”?

a. Alfred is too exhausted from the fight to work productively at the store

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b. Mr. Epstein is angry with Alfred for knocking out Griffin the night before c. Alfred is working inefficiently because he is preoccupied with his

knockout d. Alfred is working inefficiently because he is preoccupied with fulfilling

his boxing dreams

69. On page 187 it says, “A brisk November wind tugged at his jacket, and he pulled his cap down over his forehead.” What does the word “brisk” mean?

a. Deadly b. Cool c. Sharp d. Quick

70. At the end of chapter 16, what opportunity presents itself to Alfred?a. A chance to be friends with Harold and Lynnb. A chance to become a nationalist rally leaderc. A chance to teach kids boxing techniques d. A chance to become a community youth leader

71. The last paragraph in chapter 16 is very significant. What does this paragraph reveal about Alfred’s feelings at this point in the story? Use evidence from the text.

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CHAPTER 17:72.Chapter 17 Summary: _________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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73. How does Jeff surprise Alfred during their Thanksgiving visit?a. Jeff seems lazy to Alfred instead of ambitious like he used to be. b. Jeff seems boisterous to Alfred instead of calm like he used to be. c. Jeff seems less obnoxious to Alfred instead of cocky like he used to be.d. Jeff seems enthusiastic instead of passive like he used to be.

74. On page 190, when Uncle Wilson finds out Jeff has boxed one time, it says, “‘You been boxing?’ Wilson’s drumstick came down in a mound of cranberry sauce. ‘Get your brains scrambled, waste all that ---‘.” How is this reaction different than his reaction to Alfred’s boxing career? What does it say about Uncle Wilson’s expectations of Jeff? Of Alfred?

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75. On page 192, why does Dorothy ask if the girls can go upstairs?a. They don’t like seeing Jeff and his mother arguing over the dangers of

Africab. They feel awkward because Jeff and his father are arguing over his

future plans c. They don’t like hearing about the violence of boxing that Alfred and Jeff

keep discussingd. They are scared because they don’t want Jeff going so far away to Africa

76. What does Alfred reveal to his family about his future during Thanksgiving dessert?

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a. He plans to finish high schoolb. He plans to open his own gymc. He plans to go to colleged. He plans to become a professional boxer

77. In Alfred and James’ interaction on pages 199-200, what is the best way to describe James’ behavior?

a. Calm and Polite b. Joyful and Approachable c. Remorseful and Gloomyd. Rude and Unapologetic

CHAPTERS 18 and 19:78.Chapters 18 and 19 Summary: __________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

78. What is the primary reason Mr. Donatelli tells Alfred that it is time to retire?

a. Alfred is not tough enough and Mr. Donatelli doesn’t want him getting hurt in the ring

b. Alfred doesn’t have the natural skills to become a professional boxer c. Alfred is too preoccupied with other plans such as finishing high school d. Alfred has tried his best but doesn’t have the ruthlessness necessary to

win

79. Which of the following pieces of information does the reader NOT find out during the time spent at Spoon’s apartment?

a. Henry plans to keep training boxers at Mr. Donatelli’s gymb. Alfred is definitely taking night classes for high schoolc. Alfred asked Spoon to look into rehab for Jamesd. Mr. Donatelli plans on retiring once Alfred finishes fighting

80. Where does Alfred’s final fight take place?a. Parkway Gardens, Brooklynb. Booker T. Washington Center, Coney Island

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c. Harlem Arena, NYCd. Union Hall, Long Island City

81. On page 220, why does Mr. Donatelli say, “Now you know, Alfred. Now you know too.”?

a. Alfred now knows he isn’t good enough to become professionalb. Alfred now knows Mr. Donatelli was right when he said to retire c. Alfred now knows he has the ability to start and finish something d. Alfred now knows what it is like to lose a fight to a large opponent

CHAPTER 20:82.Chapter 20: ___________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

83. Where does Alfred find James hiding from the police?a. Outside of Aunt Pearl’s b. Under a bridge near the highwayc. In an alleyway behind the old clubhoused. In their old cave from childhood

84. The last line of the book says, “Alfred guided him over the rocks and the bushes and the new snow, toward the lights of the avenue.” What prediction can you for James future based on the imagery depicted in this last line of the book?

a. James has a rocky road ahead of him and is destined to failb. James and Alfred are going to hail a cab to the hospitalc. James is on the right path towards getting better d. James is going to get caught by the police and sent to jail

Open-Ended Response:

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85. Throughout the book, Mr. Donatelli and Alfred have a few conversations about what it means to be a contender. Apart from the being the title of the book, the idea of becoming a contender is a recurring theme throughout the book. Answer the following two questions about this essential theme in a well-organized open-ended response. What does it mean to be a contender? Does Alfred become a contender by the end of the book? Why or why

not?Use textual evidence and details to support your answer.

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