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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. For what reason are the lease applicants turned down in the opening scene?
(a) A lack of assets.
(b) They mention that they have a dog.
(c) They both have negative credit histories.
(d) They mention they are lovers.

2. What does Malcolm's father do for a living?
(a) He is a lawyer.
(b) He is a doctor.
(c) He is a stockbroker.
(d) He is an architect.

3. While Jude's college friends do not know much about his childhood, they do know that Jude had no what?
(a) Parents.
(b) Rules.
(c) Education.
(d) Love.

4. In what state was Jude's very first home located?
(a) South Dakota.
(b) Nevada.
(c) Wyoming.
(d) Pennsylvania.

5. In what year of college is Willem enrolled when Hemming undergoes surgery?
(a) Fifth.
(b) Third.
(c) Second.
(d) First.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who is Julia?

2. What nationality is JB?

3. Upon the opening of the novel, Jude has just graduated from what kind of school?

4. Willem is born how many years after his brother Hemming's birth?

5. In Part II: Lispenard Street, what decade of life has Willem recently entered?

Short Essay Questions

1. In what way does the narration of Part I: Lispenard Street differ from the narration of Part II: The Postman?

2. What is the occasion of the opening scene in A Little Life?

3. In what way are the themes of secrecy and control depicted in Part II: The Postman?

4. What two elements of Willem's life in Wyoming does he miss?

5. What do the coupons in the novel symbolize?

6. Discuss a quality that Jude has in common with either Malcolm or JB.

7. How does the theme of deception enter the narrative within the friendship between Willem and Jude?

8. Characterize Willem's relationship with his parents prior to their deaths.

9. What does Willem say in the opening scene when he is asked about his parents and why is it significant?

10. Characterize the priests' attitudes about Jude's pursuit of knowledge about his own past.

(see the answer keys)

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