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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 had the narrator fed the fish in Chapter 32?

2. At what time do the narrator and his friends arrive at Cody's in Chapter 33?

3. Who comes to visit the narrator in Chapter 30?

4. What kind of pet does McLear show off in Chapter 24?

5. What does the narrator describe while looking at the nighttime scene in Chapter 22?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Jack awaiting in Chapter 31? What takes place in the conversation between Jack and Billie here?

2. What does Jack write of his wishes for Cody to be a writer in Chapter 25?

3. What is Jack's state of mind in the end of Chapter 22?

4. What does Cody propose to Jack in Chapter 24 regarding Willamine?

5. What does Jack suggest to Billie regarding their relationship in Chapter 31?

6. What events trigger Jack's agitation in Chapter 21?

7. How does Jack describe the inner world of his alcohol-laced madness in Chapter 21?

8. What is the initial meeting of Jack and Billie like in Chapter 26?

9. Where does the group stop on their way to the cabin in Chapter 33? Why?

10. What spiritual or religious imagery is presented in Chapter 36 in relation to Jack's state of mind?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the theme of "man and nature" in Big Sur. What symbols and motifs are used to illustrate this theme?

Essay Topic 3

Describe the character of Jack Duluoz in Big Sur. What are his principle characteristics? What are his objectives and obstacles in the plot?

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