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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. In what year does Willie first run for governor?

2. In a flashback, what does the author reveal about Jack's father?

3. Why do people come to hear Willie speak?

4. How can Willie be confident in his position?

5. How does Judge Irwin react when a dinner guest berates Governor Stark's programs?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Jack recall about his childhood at the beginning of Chapter 3?

2. What twist of fate changes public perception of Willie Stark?

3. What was Cass' life like in Mississippi?

4. What does Jack's father mean when he shouts "Foulness" when Jack mentions Judge Irwin's name?

5. What is the major point of contention between Willie and Lucy about their son, Tom?

6. How does Jack reason out Judge Irwin's role in his childhood?

7. What is Willie's reaction when Judge Irwin refuses to support a man Willie has chosen for a senate nomination?

8. What personal connection does Jack find to Cass Mastern during his research?

9. Briefly explain the Mastern family story.

10. What is the reason that Willie's wife, Lucy, is leaving him?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain the author's use of local color particularly regarding speech and dialogue. How can you tell the differences in the characters backgrounds and experiences by the way they speak? Do you think Willie's colorful speaking style is exaggerated or is it realistic?

Essay Topic 2

The author inserts a surprising story in as Chapter 4 regarding the Mastern family. What lessons is the author trying to teach in this chapter? Is it the evil of slavery? The sins of marital infidelity? The burden of guilt and remorse? Explain your position.

Essay Topic 3

Compare and contrast Willy Stark to Huey Long, the real Governor of Louisiana during that time period. How are they alike? How are they different? Do you think the author's characterization of Willy is so true to Huey Long because the novel was written so soon after Long's death and his personality was still so "alive?" What risks did the author run by writing a book that so closely mirrored a public figure with a questionable past?

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