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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. In what manner does Jude find out about Caleb's death?

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

3. Chapter 2 of Part III: Vanities reveals that Jude has made what career change?

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

5. What sort of malady afflicts Jude during his journey away from the group home?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

5. What warning does Jude give to Willem regarding sex?

6. Who is Dr. Traylor?

7. How does Harold find out that Caleb has been physically abusing Jude?

8. What objects solidify Jude and Willem's romantic relationship in the eyes of their friends?

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

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

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

Essay Topic 2

Trace the characterization arc of Jude’s character throughout the novel A Little Life. Discuss whether Jude is a round or flat character and whether Jude is a static or dynamic character.

Essay Topic 3

What messages does Yanagihara send about the power of communication and what themes are employed in order to send these messages to the reader?

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