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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 title of Part 2, "Peace and Solitude: a Potpourri," Chapter 11?

2. What does Miller do when his wife and children disappear and he has no means of communication?

3. Miller is sometimes surprised by revelations of household tragedies too great to describe, even by who, whose domestic life is a sad joke?

4. Who operates the upscale Nepenthe Restaurant and let their five children run wild without thought of discipline?

5. A Dutch visitor upbraids Miller for clearing what instead of writing?

Short Essay Questions

1. Miller writes commentary in Part 1, The Oranges of the Millennium, examining the American Dream. What are his major points?

2. What does Miller write of Dianetics in Part 2, Peace and Solitude: a Potpourri, Chapter 9? What is Dianetics?

3. What does Miller write of the Lopez family and their children? Who does he contrast this family with?

4. What does Miller attest is the principle problem with the people of Big Sur? What comparison does Miller make to classical tragedies?

5. Miller compares Wharton's need to help others with the United States in Part 2, Peace and Solitude: a Potpourri, Chapter 7. How?

6. Miller discusses his thoughts and philosophies on painting in Part 2, Peace and Solitude: a Potpourri, Chapter 4. When did Miller begin painting and how much has he painted at this point in the book?

7. What is Harvey's affliction and what does Miller advise to him in Part 2, Peace and Solitude: a Potpourri, Chapter 1?

8. Who is Miller's favorite local painter at Big Sur? In what ways does Miller work to improve his own work?

9. What artists and writers does Miller describe living within the Big Sur community in Part 2, Peace and Solitude: a Potpourri, Chapter 2? How do they support themselves?

10. How does Miller describe corporal punishment in Part 2, Peace and Solitude: a Potpourri, Chapter 10?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss Miller's philosophy of art and painting in Big Sur and the Oranges of Hieronymus Bosch. When did Miller begin painting and what inspired him?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss Miller's relationship with Jean Wharton. How did Wharton and Miller meet? What is a "benefactor"?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss Miller's artistic preferences. Who are his favorite painters and sculptors, and why? What are Miller's priorities in art?

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