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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. The Epilogue opens by describing three-day-a-week mail service by who?

2. How far are the sulfur baths from Miller's home, round-trip, in the Epilogue?

3. Who has helped Miller survive in Big Sur, including answering his fan mail?

4. In what year does Moricand come to stay with the Millers?

5. Who did Moricand work for during the war?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. What does Miller write about astrology in Part 3, "Paradise Lost"?

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

6. Who does Miller call for to help take care of Moricand in Part 3, Paradise Lost? What is Moricand's condition at this point?

7. How does Miller come to invite Moricand to Big Sur in the novel?

8. What is Miller's intention to the reader in writing the Epilogue?

9. What does Miller comment upon regarding genuine needs in Part 2, Peace and Solitude: a Potpourri, Chapter 13?

10. What criticisms does Miller assert of American values in Part 2, Peace and Solitude: a Potpourri, Chapter 15?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe the setting of the novel. What makes Big Sur unique as an artist's retreat? What is significant about the time period of the setting to the novel's major themes?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the theme of "childhood" as it is presented in the novel. What symbols reflect this theme? How does Miller believe children should be treated?

Essay Topic 3

Describe Miller's wife and children in Big Sur and the Oranges of Hieronymus Bosch. How old are they? What is the nature of their relationships with Miller?

(see the answer keys)

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