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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. At the beginning of this chapter, what does Renton beg his parents to secure him, that they refuse?

2. In Trainspotting at Leith Central Station, who does Begbie announce has AIDS?

3. At the bar at the end of this chapter, what test does Renton's father give him?

4. What gift did Matty try to give his estranged child?

5. Where are Gi and Renton at the end of London Crawling?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Sick Boy's escapade in Deid Dugs.

2. What uncharacteristic moment occurs with Renton in Straight Dilemmas No. 1?

3. How does the trial of Courting Disaster turn out for Renton and Spud?

4. What surprise does Renton have when he wakes up in Gi's flat?

5. How does Renton interact with his relatives at Billy's wake?

6. What hallucinations does Renton have as he slips in and out of consciousness?

7. In Bad Blood, how does Alan Venters and Davie's relationship develop?

8. In what state is Renton at the beginning of this chapter?

9. Why does Renton feel bad at the end of The Elusive Mr. Hunt?

10. How does Davie take revenge on Alan Venters in Bad Blood?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Trainspotting is a novel that exists resolutely in the nitty-gritty of working-class squalor. As such, Welsh regularly employs filthy and scatological imagery. Write an essay about three such instances. What is the nature of the filth portrayed? How does it relate to the narrative and themes of the novel? Is it presented straight or with humor, and do you think it is necessary or effective?

Part 1) The First Day of the Edinburgh Festival

Part 2) Traditional English Breakfast

Part 3) Eating Out

Essay Topic 2

Mark Renton is clearly the protagonist of Trainspotting, in that the reader most frequently shares his emotional life. Write an essay about three of his experiences and how the reader learns a lesson in surrogate:

Part 1) Why does Renton give Tommy his first hit of heroin, and is he aware of the peril involved? Discuss the clear-headedness of this moment and Renton's culpability in what follows. How does the inhumanity of this choice lead to moments of deep empathy later?

Part 2) Discuss Renton's worldview throughout the novel. What does he feel about friendship, and how does this color his attitude toward his mates? What role does heroin play in this worldview? Explore the transition of Renton out of this worldview.

Part 3) Discuss the final passages of the novel. Why does Renton choose to betray his mates in the final moment? What does he gain from it, and what introspection does he offer about the ramifications of the decision?

Essay Topic 3

The characters of Trainspotting are deeply complex. They are capable of horrid actions and desirous of profound love and happiness. Write a three-part essay about three such characters. What hurtful or careless actions does each perpetrate? How does he or she show empathy or love through the novel? Does this person find happiness in the end?

Part 1) Kelly

Part 2) Davie

Part 3) Spud

(see the answer keys)

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