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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 was the President's profession before he was elected?

2. What kind of car does Paul buy when he is promoted?

3. How does Kroner make Dr. Proteus feel when they speak?

4. What does each group represent at the parade at the bar in Homestead?

5. Why doesn't Anita like Finnerty?

Short Essay Questions

1. When Paul is at Kroner's for dinner, what does Kroner say Paul has to do to get the job in Pittsburgh?

2. What does the Shah think of the social/political structure of Ilium, despite Halyard's attempts to convince him otherwise?

3. What does Anita want Paul to do to Shepherd, and why doesn't he do it?

4. What does Dr. Proteus notice about the Reeks and Wrecks on the bridge?

5. Who is the Shah of Bratpuhr, and why is he in Ilium?

6. Why is Bud Calhoun out of a job?

7. Describe Hackett's attitude towards the Army.

8. Why does Lasher tell Paul the false story about his son?

9. What is the purpose of the dinner that Dr. Proteus goes to in Chapter 1, and what does he have to do there?

10. What are Lasher's beliefs about the state of society, and what does he think will happen to it?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is the player piano? Why do you think that the author named the novel after it?

Essay Topic 2

Lasher says at the end of the novel that he knew the rebellion would fail, but wanted to take a stand "for the record." What purpose does Lasher think the rebellion will serve? Do you agree?

Essay Topic 3

What is the point of view of the novel? How would the novel be different from another point of view?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 643 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample