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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 does Chenault begin to do?

2. What does Chenault want to do if Paul moves on?

3. Where is Yeamon's scooter hidden?

4. Where does Paul have go after breakfast with Chenault?

5. Where does Yeamon suggest they go to?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does the policeman react to Chenault's disappearance?

2. What happens to Chenault in Chapter 15?

3. What new work does Sanderson have for Paul?

4. What does Chapter 13 say about Paul's ambition?

5. How does Sanderson help Paul and his friends in Chapter 8?

6. What does Paul think about his stay on the island?

7. What do Yeamon, Paul and Chenault do the next morning?

8. Describe Paul's time with Chenault and Yeamon in Chapter 13.

9. How does Lotterman react over the news that the company paid Paul and Sala's bail bonds?

10. What does Paul arrange after his meeting with Lotterman?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The Rum Diary is written in the first person. Why do you think Thompson chose to write the story in the first person? How do you think the meaning of the story would have changed if it were written in the third person?

Essay Topic 2

Examine the novel's chronological setting.

1) What were the main concerns during the 1960's? How does Thompson express these concerns?

2) In what ways do you think the novel's meaning would change if it were set in today's society?

Essay Topic 3

Look at the structure of the novel.

1) How does Thompson use character and dialogue to drive the narrative?

2) Discuss elements of the narrative structure: exposition, conflict, complication, climax, resolution and conclusion. Do all the elements make for a logical and linear story? How does the story's structure express the novel's themes?

3) Aside from the main character, examine the way Thompson uses the other characters in the story. When does he introduce and take them away from the story? What effect does it have on the story?

(see the answer keys)

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