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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. Bird thinks the people in #38 look like ________________.

2. How many shots of whiskey does Bird drink in quick succession?

3. What does Bird do when he realizes that Himiko has gone?

4. What request does Bird's colleague make of him?

5. What did the Hospital Director do during the baby's birth?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is important foreshadowing regarding the tests of strength and Bird's encounter with the gang?

2. How is sex and sexuality a means for Bird to avoid responsibility?

3. What seems to exaggerate Bird's feelings of inadequacy at the arcade?

4. What is the significance of the students in Bird's class and what do they represent after his in-class vomiting incident?

5. Describe the nature of Bird's brief encounter with the transvestite on the street.

6. What is significant about Bird's hangover and vomiting in class?

7. How does Bird's thoughts about his child as a war hero show what Bird really feels about the journey ahead for the child and himself?

8. What is unusual about the doctor who speaks to Bird about the baby?

9. What does Bird's father-in-law give to Bird during the visit and why is this an unlikely offering given Bird's troubles with addiction?

10. How does Bird learn that his child has a problem?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Create a character study of Bird. What are his physical characteristics? What are his motivations? What are his fears? What are his dreams? What else can you say about Bird?

Essay Topic 2

Project into the future ten years after the end of the novel and write a brief synopsis for Bird's life. What is his relationship with his son? What is his relationship with his wife? Have his dreams of going to Africa been completely squelched? What is Bird's state of mind? How does Bird feel about himself now?

Essay Topic 3

What is the significance of the book's title? What are some other possible titles for the book. List at least five and cite your reasons for each.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,036 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample