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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. When Willem develops romantic feelings for Jude, who tells him to make sure he wants to make a lifetime commitment to Jude?

2. Chapter 2 of Part III: Vanities begins on a particular character's birthday when he is turning how old?

3. What excuse does Jude make to everyone about his black eye and bruised face?

4. For what transgression does Caleb punish Jude with a beating and a rape?

5. In what month does Jude invite Willem to a company event held by Jude's law firm?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. To what historical event does the part title Vanities allude?

3. How had Brother Luke treated Jude differently than any of the other priests at the monastery had?

4. What is Willem's agent's reaction to his decision to stay in New York after Jude's suicide attempt?

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

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

7. What methods does Jude use in order to hide the signs that he is being abused?

8. In what way does Jude liken Caleb to Brother Luke?

9. How is foreshadowing used within Harold's discussion of Jude's skills as a lawyer?

10. Characterize Willem's passion for acting.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the instances of irony within the narrative of A Little Life and analyze Yanagihara’s purpose for including each instance you discuss.

Essay Topic 2

How are the topics of romantic relationships, love, and sex treated within the novel A Little Life and how does their treatment relate to the novel's depicted messages?

Essay Topic 3

Analyze Yanagihara’s novel from an Existential perspective. What elements of life does it suggest hold the most meaning and why?

(see the answer keys)

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