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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 renovates Jude's apartment to make it more accessible for him?

2. Jude comes along when Willem goes to what country on location?

3. Chapter 1 of Part III: Vanities reveals that Malcolm has now begun what career?

4. What explanation for his own impotence does Jude give to Willem?

5. Andy counsels Jude about possible amputation after Jude comes down with what type of infection?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is ironic about the mistaken identity of the person Jude hallucinates is trying to hurt him?

2. Which voice does Jude usually ignore but decide to listen to in relation to Caleb?

3. How old is Jude the final time he walks completely unassisted?

4. What is the sole source of Willem's envy of Jude?

5. What major turning point in the novel occurs within Part V: The Happy Years, in relation to Jude and Willem?

6. At what aspect of Jude's presence in the courtroom does Harold marvel and why?

7. What happens to nullify Jude's chosen method of coping with the trauma inflicted by Caleb?

8. Characterize Willem's passion for acting.

9. How does the motif of dreams appear within Harold's characterization?

10. Harold reveals that he had first learned about Jude's rituals of self-harm in what manner?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write a critical essay about A Little Life while using the critical power theory lens of Marxist theory. Use textual evidence to back up your strong, specific claim regarding the novel's treatment of issues such as socioeconomic status, hierarchies, wealth, class, or any other issues related to Marxist theory that can be found in the novel.

Essay Topic 2

Look carefully at the passages of A Little Life that describe the close relationship between Willem and Jude. What is Yanagihara’s purpose for discussing at length the nature of the connection between Jude and Willem?

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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