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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. How old was Jude when he ran away from the group home?

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

3. With what household appliance does Jude harm himself in an attempt to disguise his self-harm as an accident?

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

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. In what way does Willem depend on Jude?

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

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

6. For what reason does Jude's suicide attempt fail?

7. Describe the calculating and patient nature of Brother Luke's move to make Jude a child prostitute.

8. Who is Dr. Traylor?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

Could A Little Life be classified as a saga? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

William Faulkner once famously claimed that the most important literature deals with the subject of the human heart in conflict with itself. Explain how the theme of Human versus Self is demonstrated within Yanagihara’s novel A Little Life. Create a decisive, arguable claim and prove it with quotes from the novel.

(see the answer keys)

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