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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. Ike and Fainy meet ______________on the boat to Seattle.

2. When Fainy goes to the Gaylord railroad station, whom does he meet?

3. Who tries to sell books and pamphlets to men inside the railroad cars?

4. What does the son of the woman who owns a farmhouse sneak into the barn to buy?

5. Where does Janey's father go for treatment for cancer?

Short Essay Questions

1. What do Fred Hoff and Mac share in common?

2. Describe Johnny Ward Morehouse.

3. What is the only question that Fainy asks about his job?

4. How does Mac learn independence?

5. Where does Janey work in Washington DC? What knowledge does she acquire?

6. What happens when Mac reaches the rancher's house?

7. What does Fred Hoff offer Mac?

8. What could Maisie have done to keep Mac in Los Angeles with her?

9. What happens at the theater? What does Mac do?

10. When Fainy accepts a job with Doc Bingham, what does he learn about his new place of employment right away?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Politics play a significant role throughout the entire book. In the 42nd Parallel, John dos Passos asks and sometimes offers occasional answers to big philosophical questions about the role and rights of workers in society, the equality of men and women, and important figures of the early 20th century. Do you find John dos Passos' arguments convincing? Why or why not? Do any of his characters show strong political opinions and, if so, about what? Describe.

Essay Topic 2

John dos Passos is known for paying homage to various authors and works of literature. Choose at least four references used in the book. Write at least 250 words on each reference. Also add your opinion as to why dos Passos chose that particular author or reference.

Essay Topic 3

The author uses more than one iteration on the theme of loss. Identify at least two themes about loss in the 42nd Parallel. Then cite an example to support your answer.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 780 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample