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This test consists of 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain Saroyan's use of character names and situations as mirrored from Homer's THE ODYSSEY. What character and location names can you identify that also appear in this work? What situations can be compared to events in THE ODYSSEY. Why would Saroyan choose to make these analogies in this work?

Essay Topic 2

Create a brief character study on Mr. Spangler. What does he look like? What are his positive personality traits? What are some of his negative characteristics? What are his hopes and fears? What motivates him--if anything--at this point in his life?

Essay Topic 3

Explore Saroyan's premise that patriotism is almost the same as faith. Would this idea always be true or was it a popular idea at the time this book was written during World War II?

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This section contains 132 words (approx. 1 page at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample