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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. Chapter 2 of Part III: Vanities begins on a particular character's birthday when he is turning how old?

2. What excuse does Jude make to everyone about his black eye and bruised face?

3. For what transgression does Caleb punish Jude with a beating and a rape?

4. What eventually happened to Dr. Traylor?

5. How old was Jude when he entered college?

Short Essay Questions

1. Harold reveals that he had first learned about Jude's rituals of self-harm in what manner?

2. What is Willem's agent's reaction to his decision to stay in New York after Jude's suicide attempt?

3. What is the sole source of Willem's envy of Jude?

4. What happens to nullify Jude's chosen method of coping with the trauma inflicted by Caleb?

5. Characterize Willem's passion for acting.

6. At what aspect of Jude's presence in the courtroom does Harold marvel and why?

7. What is ironic about the mistaken identity of the person Jude hallucinates is trying to hurt him?

8. What objects solidify Jude and Willem's romantic relationship in the eyes of their friends?

9. How is foreshadowing used within Harold's discussion of Jude's skills as a lawyer?

10. What methods does Jude use in order to hide the signs that he is being abused?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What message does Yanagihara send within the pages of A Little Life concerning the link between guilt and responsibility?

Essay Topic 2

What is the function of Caleb's character within the novel? Discuss the characterization methods used by Yanagihara in depicting Caleb and include in your discussion the reasons that Yanagihara portrays Caleb in these particular ways.

Essay Topic 3

Explicate the theme of secrecy within A Little Life. What is Yanagihara’s message regarding secrecy and how do you know?

(see the answer keys)

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