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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 NOT a way in which the man with the pistol's eyes are described?

2. Once inside the brain, the bullet is said to come "under the mediation of" what kind of "time" (35)?

3. How many questions does the man with the pistol ask Anders before Anders answers "No" the first time (30)?

4. The memory that emerges within Anders's conscious mind takes place during what time of day?

5. What term is used to describe the chain reaction that happens within Anders's brain when the bullet hits a particular part of it?

Short Essay Questions

1. What appears to be the source of the man with the pistol's anger toward Anders?

2. In what way does Anders react to the man with the pistol's use of 1940s slang and what is the end result?

3. What is Wolff's purpose for describing the eyes of the man with the pistol?

4. What season and time of day are portrayed within Anders's one witnessed memory?

5. What threat does the man with the pistol make against Anders before shooting him?

6. What evidence is there to suggest that Anders does recognize positive aspects of even art he considers subpar?

7. What piece of 1940s slang does the man with the pistol use and how does Anders react?

8. What is ironic about the mural artist's portrayal of the story of Zeus and Europa?

9. What event happens to force Anders to examine the domed ceiling of the bank?

10. How many years ago had the event at the center of Anders's one witnessed memory taken place?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss Wolff’s purpose for using scientific and realistic language to describe certain elements of the story, such as the path the bullet takes on its way through the protagonist’s cranium.

Essay Topic 2

How is the topic of masculinity treated within Wolff’s story and how does its treatment relate to the story's depicted messages?

Essay Topic 3

Write a critical essay about "Bullet in the Brain" while using the critical power theory lens of Marxist theory. Use textual evidence to back up your strong, specific claim regarding the story's treatment of issues such as socioeconomic status, hierarchies, wealth, class, or any other issues related to Marxist theory that can be found in the short story.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 968 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample