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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 Cody's mistress?

2. What does the narrator liken riding in the jeep to in Chapter 33?

3. Where does the narrator tell Billie she should go in Chapter 35?

4. What does the narrator tell Billie he's afraid to do in Chapter 31?

5. What does Romana keep giving to the narrator in Chapter 36?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What does Jack reveal through exposition regarding Cody and Evelyn in Chapter 23?

4. What does Jack compare the visions he sees in Chapter 37 to?

5. What leads Jack to go for Cody's suggestion in Chapter 24?

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 do Jack and Billie talk about in Chapter 34? What realization does he have in this chapter?

9. Who visits Jack in Chapter 30? What do they do together?

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

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

Describe the character of Billie Dabney. How is her relationship to the narrator illustrated? How do her actions contribute to the actions of the protagonist?

Essay Topic 3

Define the term "Roman a clef." Is this a style, genre, or form? Why is it used? How does it apply to Big Sur?

(see the answer keys)

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