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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. Where were Ruth and Starbuck transferred after their marriage?

2. Vonnegut describes Hapgood as a _______ figure.

3. Sarah's family wanted their clocks to be readable ______.

4. Why was Starbuck in Nuremberg?

5. How did Starbuck meet Emil Larkin?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does the red ribbon on Starbuck's suit cause trouble?

2. What does Starbuck's release from prison mark?

3. Upon being released from prison, why does Starbuck stay at the Hotel Arapahoe?

4. What is the significance of "Kilgore Trout" being a pseudonym?

5. Why does Starbuck cry in the cab home?

6. Is an event's existence or its meaning more important to Starbuck? How?

7. How is "a rich man's trash can" a symbol for Starbuck?

8. How prevalent is "identity" in the Prologue? Why and how is it used?

9. What are the degrees of separation between Sarah Wyatt and Mary Kathleen O'Looney in Chapter 9?

10. How is the theme of interconnection displayed through Starbuck's narrative voice?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Vonnegut discusses a fan letter in the prologue, which says "love may fail, but courtesy will prevail." Discuss how this works as a theme in the book and its angle on humanity and society in "Jailbird."

Essay Topic 2

Mary Kathleen O'Looney and Mrs. Jack Graham, as the same person, illustrate both the socialist and capitalist. Discuss the dual nature of Mary Kathleen and how she embodies and reflects the tension.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss madness and psychosis in "Jailbird." How do people develop instability? How it is handled? What is Vonnegut's purpose for using psychosis in the larger narrative ?

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