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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 pays for Myrna's education?

2. What time does Santa say she will pick up Irene?

3. What is the name of the Levy Pants owner?

4. What music offends Ignatius in the factory?

5. Why does Mrs. Levy not want Trixie to retire?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What problems does Jones have about his job as a porter?

4. Describe Levy Lodge.

5. What kind of impression do you think Ignatius gives to people around him?

6. How does Jones claim the police treat blacks in New Orleans?

7. What does Ignatius think about his new colleagues?

8. What does Myrna write in her letter?

9. Why does Ignatius decide to accept the job at Levy Pants?

10. Describe Ignatuis and Irene's car accident.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the importance of New York as Ignatius' promised land. In what way was New York different to New Orleans in the 1960's? What can Ignatius find in New York that he could not get at home?

Essay Topic 2

Look at the effect of stereotyping. Why do the students think people stereotype? What are the negative effects of stereotyping? Are their any positive effects? In what way does Toole bypass stereotyping in A Confederacy of Dunces.

Essay Topic 3

Toole lived in New Orleans with his mother, adhering to the rule that writers should always write about what they know. Do you think it is obvious that Toole knows his subject? What difference do you think it makes to the story? Are there any moments where you think Toole does not portray a character or setting so well? What effect does it have on the story?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 725 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample