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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 nationality is JB?

2. Who is looking at an apartment on Lispenard Street in the novel's opening scene?

3. While Willem asserts that his parents had been "efficient and competent with Hemming," (53) but had not shown Hemming much of which emotion?

4. What object did Brother Luke give to Jude on his fifth birthday?

5. Jude's very first home was in what type of location?

Short Essay Questions

1. In what way is foreshadowing included in relation to Jude's future?

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

3. How does Yanigihara want the reader to view Jude's decision to keep his past a secret and how do you know?

4. Who is JB and how does he enter the story?

5. What is the significance of the title for Part II, "The Postman" (210)?

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

7. What impetus prompts Malcolm to come out to his parents?

8. In what way is the theme of acquiescence included in the first part of A Little Life?

9. In what ways does Jude feel out-of-step with the rest of his peers' experiences?

10. In what way is the theme of isolation depicted within Chapter 1 of Part II: The Postman?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss Yanigihara’s reasons for including instances of foreshadowing within the novel and how the use of foreshadowing connects with the narrative’s themes and messages.

Essay Topic 2

What is the function of Caleb's character within the novel? Discuss the characterization methods used by Yanagihara in depicting Caleb and include in your discussion the reasons that Yanagihara portrays Caleb in these particular ways.

Essay Topic 3

Determine Yanagihara’s message within the novel A Little Life regarding the idea that euthanasia should be an option available for people who truly wish to end their lives.

(see the answer keys)

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