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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 was the name of Bennie's high school band?

2. What word does Sasha use to describe the girl band?

3. Where is Bennie from?

4. What color are the chairs in Bennie's office?

5. Where does Alice live?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Rhea's explanation of San Francisco in 1979?

2. Discuss the gig at the Mab. Who is present? How does the gig turn out?

3. What happens as Jocelyn reflects on her past experiences with Lou and Rolph?

4. What is Scotty doing in the beginning of the chapter?

5. Explain the gold cure. What is Bennie's explanation to his son?

6. What is Sasha's philosophy on stealing from others?

7. What event occurs in the bathroom of the Lassimo Hotel?

8. What is the purpose of the visit to Lou's house?

9. What does Scotty say about his job as a janitor?

10. Explain Bennie's thoughts about the girl band and how it triggers a memory of his youth. What is the song title that comes out of that memory?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

All of the characters in the book are connected in some way, albeit it often loosely. At times the connections might be difficult to find. Explain the connections of each character and why that character and his/her connections are a valid and integral part to the story.

Essay Topic 2

Describe the relationship between Sasha and Bennie. Are they close? Is there anything unusual about their relationship? How might Bennie's confession affect the relationship? Why do you think Sasha stays on at Sow's Ear? What might happen to the Bennie if Sasha left? How will it affect the relationship?

Essay Topic 3

Assuming a psychiatrist's point of view, analyze the situation with Sasha. Discuss Sasha's past history in regards to psychiatric care. What would a psychiatrist say about Sasha's need to steal? Was Sasha mentally ill or did something else cause her to act out? What would the terminology be from a psychiatrist's point of view? What kind of treatment might Sasha have benefited from before the situation got out of hand? Is the behavior something that can be "cured?" If so, how? If not, what else can be done?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,063 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample