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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 is the title of Part 2, "Peace and Solitude: a Potpourri," Chapter 11?

2. What would-be writer hopes to find the Cult of Sex and Anarchy?

3. What denomination of preacher is Miller's favorite bootblack in Monterey?

4. Miller writes that in 19__ the U.S. tried to fix the world's problems, but had itself deteriorated.

5. Miller receives letters from Ethiopia and Cairo, recommending that he read who?

Short Essay Questions

1. Miller compares Wharton's need to help others with the United States in Part 2, Peace and Solitude: a Potpourri, Chapter 7. How?

2. Who does Miller describe in Part 2, Peace and Solitude: a Potpourri, Chapter 7? How is this individual similar to Miller?

3. What are some of the eccentricities of "The Anderson Creek Gang," which Miller describes in Part 2, Peace and Solitude: a Potpourri, Chapter 2?

4. What does Miller describe in Part 2, Peace and Solitude: a Potpourri, Chapter 1? What is the title of this chapter, and why?

5. Miller discusses his thoughts and philosophies on painting in Part 2, Peace and Solitude: a Potpourri, Chapter 4. When did Miller begin painting and how much has he painted at this point in the book?

6. How has the population of children changed in Miller's time at Big Sur? Who are his favorites?

7. How does Miller describe the process of inspiration in Part 2, Peace and Solitude: a Potpourri, Chapter 4?

8. What family lives in the center of Big Sur's community? Where in the text does Miller describe this family and others?

9. How does Miller describe "Karma" or balance in "The Part of Fortune"?

10. How does Miller describe corporal punishment in Part 2, Peace and Solitude: a Potpourri, Chapter 10?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss Miller's use of simile, metaphor, symbolism, and motif in the novel. What symbols does Miller use to reflect the American dream or American values?

Essay Topic 2

Describe Henry Miller's feelings about fan mail and correspondence. What two chapters are dedicated to this topic in the book? How do they relate?

Essay Topic 3

Describe the process of Dianetics. Where in the text does Miller employ this? What are his associations with Dianetics?

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