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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 does Moricand declare life to be?

2. What French-speaking friend visits Miller but soon wants to throw Moricand off a cliff?

3. Miller believes he will die where?

4. Moricand rants about Wharton wanting him to read who?

5. Who befriends Moricand and advises that Miller look at Moricand's portfolio of erotic drawings?

Short Essay Questions

1. What thoughts does Miller share of painting and writing versus living in the Epilogue?

2. How does Miller work to solicit money for Conrad Moricand during their friendship?

3. What does Moricand think of Wharton's healing powers?

4. What is Moricand's philosophy on life? Does Miller agree or disagree?

5. What is Miller's wife's reaction to Conrad Moricand? How does Moricand's first impression fade?

6. What is Miller's conclusion of Big Sur upon the Epilogue of the novel?

7. What does Moricand write of his experience in the wars in Part 3, "Paradise Lost"?

8. What affliction does Moricand develop during his stay in Big Sur?

9. What happens when Moricand attempts to find work after leaving Big Sur? What attempts are made to help him?

10. What are the similarities and differences between Conrad Moricand and Henry Miller?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the themes of marriage and divorce in the novel. How does Miller reflect these themes in his life? How many times was Miller married, and to whom?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Discuss Miller's use of simile, metaphor, symbolism, and motif in the novel. What symbols does Miller use to reflect the American dream or American values?

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