View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. How old is the Girlfriend as noted in Chapter 4?

2. What are the three occupations of the Girlfriend?

3. Where does the Rat's second letter tell the Main Character is his final destination?

4. Where does the bar owner suggest that the Main Character stay while he is in town?

5. What does the Main Character eat, while his visitor watches, in Chapter 2?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does the way the Main Character responds to the death of his former lover in Chapter 1 reveal about him?

2. How important is the cat to the Main Character?

3. Does the Main Character trust his new girlfriend?

4. Describe the mystery surrounding the Boss's illness.

5. Why do the Main Character and the Business Partner disagree on the direction of their business?

6. What is the cause of the friction between the Strange Man and the Main Character?

7. Describe the Strange Man.

8. What is the significance of the Rat's second letter?

9. Describe the location of the Boss's home.

10. Describe the Rat's relationship to the Main Character.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

A Wild Sheep Chase sends a message about mediocrity and authority. Explain the connection between the two themes and the characters in the novel. Describe which characters represent mediocrity, rising above it and authority and its use or abuse. Analyze the message the author is trying to send.

Essay Topic 2

In Chapter 28, the Caretaker tells the Main Character that is easy to care for 200 sheep because they are cooperative and want to be led. How does this statement work as a metaphor for the mediocrity of humanity in A Wild Sheep Chase? Write an analytical response using support from the novel.

Essay Topic 3

Symbolism in A Wild Sheep Chase sends many messages involving themes like alienation, authority, and transformation. Select three items of symbolism and for each:

1) Describe what theme or idea they symbolize.

2) Analyze the use of that object to send a message at that point in the novel.

3) Relate the object to the author's use of surrealism in the novel.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 834 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample