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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. What name does Ignatius use to sign off in his journal?

2. With what does Ignatius threaten his mother?

3. What does Mancuso read about in the bathroom stall?

4. Which earlier character approaches Ignatius' hot dog stand?

5. Who is starting to appear in Ignatius dreams?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Clyde's reaction to seeing the newspaper article?

2. Why does Ignatius think the Ladies' Auxiliary will be an important addition to his movement?

3. How does Ignatius react to Myrna's presence?

4. Describe Dorian and Ignatius' fight.

5. What is Ignatius' opinion on psychiatry?

6. Describe Jones' idea for Darlene's act.

7. How does Irene react to Claude's kindness towards her?

8. Summarize the final chapter.

9. Why is Gus looking forward to escaping to Florida?

10. What does Myrna write in her letter in Chapter 9?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Compare the Consolation of Philosophy to the novel. What comparisons can be drawn between A Confederacy of Dunces and the Consolation of Philosophy? Why do they think Ignatius uses Boethius' as a reference point?

Essay Topic 3

Ignatius has a complicated relationship with his mother. Why is a mother's relationship with her child so important? What kind of emotions has she felt seeing her child grow ? How does a child act if he is spoiled or overprotected by his mother? How has Ignatius' upbringing affected him?

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This section contains 737 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample