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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. Who in Howie's life is allergic to milk?

2. How long has Howie owned his shoes for work?

3. What does Howie refer to his adult thinking life as?

4. What word does Howie feel he says too often?

5. Howie says all of these have gone through disorienting changes EXCEPT one.

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Howie believe to be the four reasons why it is good for brain cells to die?

2. Where is Howie when he believes that his great period of growth as a human has ended?

3. What thoughts about bread does Howie have while riding the subway?

4. Why does Howie purchase a milk carton at Papa Gino's?

5. What observations does Howie make about straws while he was at Papa Gino's?

6. Why has Howie mostly given up drinking milk?

7. What is the treat that Howie gives himself after making a resolution to not get carried away by nostalgia?

8. What does Howie consider to be his sixth major advancement in life?

9. What were the "systems of local transport" that Howie liked as a child?

10. What does Howie mean by "vibratiuncles of comparison"?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Is Howie a purveyor of truths that are too often ignored? Or is he a self-centered young man who spends too much time wrapped up in his own thoughts? Does Howie have redeeming characteristics.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the theme of the innate philosopher in everyone and how it resonates throughout the book.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the literary impressionism used in the novel and the overall effect it creates.

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