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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. Crawley is on a _____ fast.

2. When Webb and Buddy lived together, what did Webb collect?

3. Nora's mother is a ______.

4. When does Webb finally come to see Buddy play?

5. ______"Buddy" Bolden is the protagonist of "Coming Through Slaughter."

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Ondaatje use the historical references of Bricktop Jackson, "One-Legged Duffy," Rich, Olivia the Oyster Dancer, and French Emma?

2. What about Buddy's disappearance is confusing for Nora?

3. How did Buddy become obsessed with death?

4. What is the effect of Ondaatje's sentence structures?

5. How does Webb feel about Buddy's music?

6. How does the narrative style reflect Buddy's music?

7. What is thematically significant about Crawley's interview?

8. Why did Buddy and Webb's dynamic change?

9. How do Buddy and Webb approach life differently?

10. Is Buddy predictable? How so?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Buddy's relationship with Robin is one of the most self-destructive he has. Through his relationship with Robin, his weaknesses and flaws are put on display. Discuss Buddy's relationship with Robin and what themes it draws from the book. How is Buddy a victim in this? How does he victimize? What role does this relationship play in interconnection? Is it the most significant relationship?

Essay Topic 2

Buddy is obsessed with death. Throughout the book, the literal and figurative deaths play a large role in the shaping of characters and the narrative. Discuss the nature of death in "Coming Through Slaughter." What does it mean to Buddy? How does it shape the story? What is significant about death in the book?

Essay Topic 3

Buddy treads lightly with his friendships, yet destroys them simultaneously from either bad decisions of pure selfishness. Discuss the meaning of Buddy's friendships, what kind of friend he is, and his actions as a friend. Why is he so concerned? What is Buddy's most significant relationship? Why?

(see the answer keys)

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