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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. For what kind of dog does the narrator describe building a dog house in Chapter 3?

2. What position does John discover Frank Hoenikker holds in San Lorenzo in Chapter 37?

3. How long ago does Newt say his brother Frank disappeared in his letter in Chapter 5?

4. What is the name of Dr. Breed's secretary?

5. What business did Emily Hoenikker's father own?

Short Essay Questions

1. What symbolism can be seen in the graves of Emily and Felix Hoenikker?

2. How is Dr. Felix Hoenikker's personality described in Cat's Cradle?

3. How does fate bring the narrator to San Lorenzo?

4. What statements does the author make about nihilism in Chapter 36?

5. How does Newt Hoenikker describe his interaction with his father on the day the atomic bomb was dropped over Hiroshima?

6. How is the character of Sherman Krebbs used as a means to satire in the novel?

7. How does Bokononism influence the language style of the novel?

8. What does John discover about San Lorenzo from the advertising supplement in the newspaper in Chapter 37?

9. What aspects of Dr. Hoenikker's character are revealed through Dr. Breed's stories of him in Chapter 14?

10. What irony is revealed in Dr. Breed's assessments of Ilium's history in Chapter 13?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss Vonnegut's use of irony in Cat's Cradle. What are examples of verbal, dramatic, and situational irony in the novel? What purpose does each example serve? How is irony related to satire?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss John's relationship with Mona in the narrative. Why is John pressured to marry Mona? How do they relate to one another? What do they have in common? How do they differ in their perceptions and beliefs?

Essay Topic 3

Describe and analyze the character of Papa Monzano in the novel. How did Papa Monzano come to power? For how long has he been in power? What characteristics does Papa Monzano exhibit as a character and as a leader?

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