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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. Whose complexes does the psychoanalyst cure?

2. What is Myrna's native city?

3. What is the position that Ignatius accepts at Levy Pants?

4. Why can Lana not replace Jones?

5. With what name does Ignatius sign his journal?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the staff at Levy Pants.

2. Summarize Chapter 6.

3. What does Myrna's letter say in Chapter 7?

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

5. Describe Mancuso's lifestyle.

6. How does Ignatius conduct the workers strike?

7. What is Ignatius' opinion on the sweatshop factory?

8. Why does Ignatius claim he goes to the movies?

9. In what way is Gus Levy isolated from his family?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Look at the structure of the novel.

2) Discuss elements of the narrative structure; Exposition, conflict, complication, climax, resolution and conclusion. Do all the elements make for a logical and linear story? How does the story's structure express the novel's themes?

3) Away from the main character Ignatius examine the way Toole uses the other characters in the story. Does she use him or her for dramatic effect or comic aside? When does she introduce and take them away from the story? What effect does it have on the story?

Essay Topic 2

Identify the main themes of the story. Why do you think these themes are so important to the story? How does Toole use character and setting to express these themes?

Essay Topic 3

The novel is set in New Orleans.

1) What meaning does New Orleans bring to the novel? What would you automatically presume about a novel that was set in New Orleans?

2) How different do you think today's New Orleans is to the New Orleans in the novel? How do you think the novel's meaning would change if it were set in today's New Orleans?

3) How do you think the setting contributes to the novel's humor?

(see the answer keys)

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