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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 name of Scotty's fishing partner?

2. What kind of medicine does Sasha have in her purse?

3. Jocelyn is in love with which character?

4. Rhea says that they are all sick of the _____.

5. How many times has Lou been married?

Short Essay Questions

1. Explain Bennie's thoughts about the girl band and how it triggers a memory of his youth. What is the song title that comes out of that memory?

2. Explain the scene at the Stop/Go house. What happens at the music session?

3. Explain the author's flash forward. What becomes of each character?

4. In the beginning of Chapter 2, Bennie meets with record executives. What is the topic of conversation?

5. Explain Mindy's studies and her observations about Cora.

6. What does Scotty say about his job as a janitor?

7. What is Sasha's philosophy on stealing from others?

8. How does the woman with the stolen wallet react upon learning that her wallet is gone?

9. What are Alex's impressions of Sasha's apartment?

10. How does the group's friendship - and the band - end?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss Egan's use of San Francisco for the setting in the story. Why do you think Egan chose San Francisco? How accurate do you think the setting is in regards to the real location? What areas are most commonly referenced in the story? What other location might have worked as well, if not better, than San Francisco? What is unique about the setting? What regionalisms are exhibited by the characters? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

Analyze the relationship between Bennie and Scotty. What is the common ground for friendship? How do their professional lives often interfere with their personal relationship? How does one know when a boundary has been crossed? Do the friends respect each other? How has their relationship changed/evolved over the past twenty years? Where might it go from here? Do you think the relationship will ever change drastically?

Essay Topic 3

Bosco is a cliché in the music industry. Explain Bosco's rise and fall in the music industry. Also examine what might happen to Bosco on his tour and if he will be able to make a comeback before he dies.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,017 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample