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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. After the art showing, when the unnamed narrator goes to dinner at Cochineal, which character gets interrupted each time he tries to contribute to the conversation?

2. For what purpose does the unnamed narrator choose the particular book he brings along on the residency?

3. What is NOT a source to which people have ascribed "the Marfa Lights," though scientists claim they are "atmospheric reflections" (192)?

4. The unnamed narrator tells the distinguished female author that his next book will involve a woman lying about having which malady?

5. The unnamed narrator states that "the most riveting and disturbing and particular passages" of his one book "are about" (166) which topic?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does the unnamed narrator react to holding the Jeff Koons balloon dog sculpture in Part Three and how do Alena and Peter react to his reaction?

2. What object does the unnamed narrator keep patting inside his pocket as he makes his way to the seventh floor of New-York Presbyterian Hospital?

3. On what adventure does the unnamed narrator take eight-year-old Roberto in Part Three?

4. Discuss an instance when Lerner includes an allusion to one of his own literary works.

5. How does the unnamed narrator meet Noor?

6. How does the theme of identity arise within the story about her family Noor relates to the unnamed narrator in Part Three?

7. What mistake does the intern make in Part Four and what similar mistake does the unnamed narrator make?

8. In what way does the unnamed narrator set up a dichotomy between the art of the "readymade" (133) and the totaled art in Alena's institute?

9. How does Lerner use irony to portray the scene of the party depicted in Part Four?

10. How does the unnamed narrator's usual routine change during his writers' residency?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Analyze the ways in which the themes of adaptability and resignation appear within Lerner’s novel 10:04. What message is Lerner sending about these two themes over the course of the narrative?

Essay Topic 2

Read a lengthy interview with Lerner. Write an essay explaining the connection between several of Lerner’s answers and a major theme presented within the text of 10:04.

Essay Topic 3

Examine Lerner’s use of characterization methods to portray the unnamed narrator within the narrative. What effects do these characterization methods have on the themes and messages inherent in 10:04?

(see the answer keys)

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