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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. To what melody is the San Lorenzo National Anthem sung?

2. What is the name of the doctor that has been frozen along with Papa Monzano?

3. What was the name of the midget dancer that Newt Hoenikker wed?

4. What is the name of the servant who greets John at Frank Hoenikker's home in Chapter 74?

5. What is the name of the mountain range that rises abruptly to the north of the capital city of San Lorenzo?

Short Essay Questions

1. What considerations does John have regarding Bokononism as he writes his presidential acceptance speech in Chapter 101?

2. What is ironic about Ambassador Minton's statement regarding the 100 martyrs?

3. What does the narrator comment regarding old men and wars in the novel?

4. How do the Hoenikker children describe the passing of the dog as a result of Ice-nine?

5. What irony can be seen at the memorial celebration on San Lorenzo?

6. What is satirical about the "writer's strike" that Philip Castle proposes in Chapter 103?

7. How is the theme of inequality of wealth demonstrated in Chapter 62?

8. How is John's encounter with Mona described in Chapter 91?

9. What statement do you think that Kurt Vonnegut is making through the character of Mona in the novel?

10. How is Newt's painting described in Chapter 74? What does it signify?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the language style of Cat's Cradle. What are examples of fictional words from The Books of Bokonon, and what do they mean? Discuss the philosophy behind this religion. How does this religion impact the novel's language style?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the plot structure of Cat's Cradle. Where in the story do the exposition and rising action occur? What comprises the climax of the story? How would you describe the falling action and denouement of the narrative?

Essay Topic 3

Describe and analyze the character of Franklin Hoenikker in Cat's Cradle. How is Frank described as a child and a young man? What are the impressions of the narrator when he finally meets Frank? What is Frank's main role in the plot of the novel?

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