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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 did the Hospital Director do during the baby's birth?

2. Himiko suggests that in another universe, Bird's baby will live to his __________________.

3. To Bird, the baby represents __________________.

4. Bird thinks the people in #38 look like ________________.

5. What does Bird learn about his son when he sees him in the hospital?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is unusual about the doctor who speaks to Bird about the baby?

2. How is Bird's encounter with the gang a boost to his flailing ego?

3. What does the glass-eyed doctor tell Bird they will know more about the baby's condition?

4. What is important foreshadowing regarding the tests of strength and Bird's encounter with the gang?

5. How does Bird learn that his child has a problem?

6. How is sex and sexuality a means for Bird to avoid responsibility?

7. What is the significance of the students in Bird's class and what do they represent after his in-class vomiting incident?

8. What is the significance of Himiko's character in the story?

9. What is the significance of the two men who come to Himiko's home?

10. How does the doctor exhibit insensitivity toward Bird about the baby on the way to the hospital?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The author uses more than one instance of irony in the book. Cite at least two other examples you can identify in the book and note why they are examples of irony.

Essay Topic 2

Explain the conflict between Bird and his wife. What are the main sources of the conflicts? Why does it perpetuate? Why does the conflict between Bird and his wife occur shortly after their marriage?

Essay Topic 3

The frustration of unfulfilled affection touches several characters in the story. Name at least two characters who experience unfulfilled love and the situations that occur as a result.

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This section contains 970 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample