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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. Why does Benny want to get a job in Chapter 8?

2. During the war, what does Fausto's wife do?

3. Who is the German woman with a fake eye that Mondaugen meets?

4. What kind of building is Fausto Maijstral in that he describes in his letter?

5. In his letter, what does Fausto Maijstral say about himself?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is V.'s point of view regarding the siege in Africa in 1922?

2. Why is Rachel angry with Slab?

3. Why is Rachel worried about Esther?

4. What is the big change Benny Profane makes in Chapter 13 regarding Rachel Owlglass?

5. Why is Fina leaving New York?

6. Why are the members of the Whole Sick Crew not bothered by police arrests?

7. When Fausto changes his personality, what is the role that he assumes?

8. What happens to V. in Paris?

9. How does Benny show signs of regression in Chapter 13?

10. Why does Paola masquerade as Ruby?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Both Benny and Stencil are two of the most active characters.

Part 1) What is their relationship? How do they co-exist and how do they interact? What is similar about them and what is different?

Part 2) What are some events that Stencil had a direct influence upon? What are some events that Benny had a direct influence upon?

Part 3) Which character offers support to the Whole Sick Crew? Which one is stronger and why?

Essay Topic 2

Pynchon constantly brings up metaphors and imagery associated with the supernatural. Give 3 examples of how the supernatural is portrayed.

Essay Topic 3

Explain the role of women in Virginia in the1950s when the women in the stories are living their lives. What precedents do they feel compelled to follow? What restrictions do they have? What freedoms did they have that 21st century women may not have?

(see the answer keys)

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