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. Where does the opening scene of the novel occur?

2. What is true of the Main Character when he arrives home in Chapter 2?

3. Where do the Sixteen Steps that title Chapter 2 actually lead?

4. Where does the Main Character say he saw a whale's penis?

5. What does the unexpected visitor leave behind in Chapter 3?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is the sex between the Main Character and the woman with the beautiful ears important?

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

3. What is the meaning of the chapter title "Wednesday Afternoon Picnic?"

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

5. How does the Main Character react to his return to his hometown?

6. What evidence is there in Chapter 2 that the Main Character and his ex-wife still care for each other?

7. What is the importance of the slip in Chapter 3?

8. What do the woman's beautiful ears indicate about her?

9. What is revealed about the Main Character through his conversations with J and the Rat's female friend?

10. Describe the Main Character's efforts to connect with others in Chapters 19 through 21.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Select three characters from the novel, and explain how each plays a significant role in the awakening and character development of the Main Character.

Essay Topic 2

Many characters in A Wild Sheep Chase l flounder looking for a sense of direction and purpose while others are strongly motivated and driven by a passionate purpose.

1) How does having a sense of purpose affect a character's life experience in this novel?

2) Compare and contrast two example in which having a sense of purpose are positive and negative events for specific characters in the book.

3) Analyze how a sense of purpose relates to happiness for the characters in this story.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 857 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample