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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. What is the phase in a person's life when he abandons the world when it becomes too much to bear?

2. Where is the narrator in reality in Chapter 2?

3. What is Philip's biggest dread regarding Anne-Marie?

4. What does Cristina tell the narrator he should be?

5. With whom is Cristina taking painting classes?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is ironic about Philip's situation?

2. What is the state of Billy and Cristina's marriage when the narrator returns to Paris to visit them?

3. Why is the narrator leaving one city and what is his destination as the novel begins?

4. Who are Cristina and Billy Wheatland?

5. What is at the core of Philip attraction to Anne-Marie?

6. Describe the two extremes of feelings that Philip has regarding Anne-Marie.

7. What does the narrator learn about Philip and about himself as he gets to know him?

8. Where does the narrator plan to stay while in Autun?

9. How does the meaning of "duration" vary for the narrator, Philip and Anne-Marie in the context of their lives?

10. What is the point of view of the novel?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The act of sex takes on an almost human persona in this story. What is this literary technique called? Cite examples that support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

There is much symbolism in this story regarding the car that Philip drives. What does the car symbolize for the story? What does it symbolize for Philip in particular?

Essay Topic 3

A SPORT AND A PASTIME is a classic story of the search for identity and purpose. What does that classification entail? Why does this novel fit into this category? Explain.

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