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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 is Alice?

2. What is the name of the lover of Victoria Wren?

3. What is the name of the record executive's wife?

4. On the last night before he leaves the Catskills, what does Benny see Rachel doing when he goes to talk to her?

5. Who are the members of the Whole Sick Crew?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the urban legend that Benny Profane actually does?

2. What happens to the Birth of Venus painting in Chapter 7?

3. Describe Benny Profane in Chapter 1.

4. What does Rachel have a desire for that all the other members of the Whole Sick Crew appear to lack?

5. What happens when Benny goes to the ferry and meets Paola?

6. Who does Benny meet on the subway and who do they introduce him to?

7. Who are the two Englishmen at the cafe in Egypt that a waiter overhears talking about Victoria Wren?

8. Why does Profane leave his friends?

9. What is Fairing's Parish and how did it get its name?

10. Why is Gaucho arrested?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain the taboo of abortion that still existed at the time V was written. Compare and contrast views on abortion in America during the 1950s to current views in America today. What major changes have occurred concerning the social attitude towards abortion in both positive and negative ways?

Essay Topic 2

One of the main themes in the book is good versus evil. List at least four examples where the author employs this specific theme. Is the battle between good and evil obvious or subtle? What characters are involved in the battle? Do you think the right person won? Does good always triumph over evil? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

V. is an enigmatic and famous character in this book. Explain the history of V. as you know it. When did the character first appear in the book? What culture seemingly created V.? How has the character changed throughout history? Why do you think Pynchon chose V. as a main character?

(see the answer keys)

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