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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 does Bellocq think Buddy does?

2. How does Dude Botley view Buddy's mixture of hymns and blue?

3. How many scars does Pickett have on his face?

4. Buddy dreams of slashing customers' ______ throats.

5. What does the melting ice add to the barbershop?

Short Essay Questions

1. In his description of the fight with Pickett, how does Buddy interrupt himself?

2. Does Buddy have good self-esteem? How?

3. Is Buddy helpless? How?

4. What is Buddy's relationship with Bellocq like?

5. While photographing prostitutes, how involved is Bellocq in his work?

6. What is the image of scrambling over barbed wire meant to portray?

7. Is Buddy considerate of Jaelin's feelings? How does he approach Jaelin's emotions?

8. Is Dude Botley superstitious about hymns? How?

9. What was unfortunate for Pickett in his fight with Buddy?

10. How does Buddy feel about coming back home?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Buddy is very concerned with his hands. He is terrified of loosing them but does little to take care of them. Discuss Buddy's preoccupation with his hands. What do they represent? What do they mean to him? What is the symbolism of this?

Essay Topic 2

Truth in "Coming Through Slaughter" is at times obscured by characters' egos and self-perception. Discuss what impact the reader's discovery of truth plays on the experience of the book and the characters.

Essay Topic 3

The setting for Buddy's life in New Orleans is surrounded by dilapidation and depravity, although he doesn't necessarily see it this way. Discuss Buddy's evolving perception of his surroundings and what the setting adds to or reflects in the narrative.

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This section contains 655 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample