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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 name of the pet mule of the local settlers in the book?

2. What is the name of the "skid row" hotel in which the narrator has been staying in Chapter 1?

3. The narrator writes that the ferns are like those of the what Scripture in Chapter 5?

4. What novel does the narrator say he read in the shack with a shrug in Chapter 7?

5. What is one of the two names the narrator planned on using as a code name in Chapter 1?

Short Essay Questions

1. In what "chores" does the narrator find peace in Chapter 6?

2. What does Jack describe as he leaves for Big Sur in Chapter 2?

3. What in Chapter 3 is an example of foreshadowing?

4. Who does Jack quote in Chapter 10 as he leaves the cabin? What does he say?

5. What is Jack's reaction to learning his cat has died?

6. Where is Jack in the beginning of the novel? What were his initial plans and why did they change?

7. What leads to the group going to the cabin in Chapter 17? Who goes?

8. What quotes of Emerson does Kerouac use in Chapter 7? What do these propel the narrator to do?

9. After leaving Cody's house, where does the group decide to go and who do they meet up with?

10. What is the purpose of Jack's and Arthur Ma's conversation in Chapter 19?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the theme of "faded glory" in Big Sur. How does this apply to the protagonist? What comparisons does the author use to express the theme?

Essay Topic 2

Compare and contrast the characters of Lorenzo Monsanto and Ben Fagan. How are these two characters similar in their friendship with the protagonist? How do they differ?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the theme of alcohol addiction and delirium tremens in Big Sur. Which character struggles with this and what is his journey?

(see the answer keys)

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