View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who does Claude meet in the precinct?

2. What is devouring the Abelman's Dry Goods folder?

3. In front of what store is Ignatius standing?

4. Who pays for Ignatius' education?

5. How long does Ignatius doodle in this chapter?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the staff at Levy Pants.

2. Why does Ignatius reject the idea of a mortgage?

3. Summarize Chapter 6.

4. Describe Ignatius' appearance at the beginning of the book.

5. How has Ignatius tried to bring peace to his house?

6. What does Chapter 1establish about Irene and Ignatius' relationship?

7. What do Mr. and Mrs. Levy argue about as they watch television?

8. Describe Myrna and Ignatius's relationship at college.

9. Describe the outside of Ignatius' and Irene's house?

10. How does Ignatius conduct the workers strike?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss whether you think this statement is true or false: "A Confederacy of Dunces is about nothing and, as such, has nothing of any importance to say about 1960's America." Use two examples from the novel to support your argument.

Essay Topic 2

Look at the novel's characterization. How well drawn do you think Toole's characters are? Select one of the minor characters such as Claude and discuss how much you know about his background. In what ways does Toole provide the reader with information about that character?

Essay Topic 3

Examine Toole's humor. What meaning does it give to the novel? What would the story be like without humor? Does it have any dramatic impact? Does the humor cover any deficiencies, for example, in the plot structure?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 823 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample