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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. Who owns the bath house in Chapter 21?

2. What is the name of the cliff top restaurant the group goes to in Chapter 21?

3. Who does the narrator say Pat McLear is handsome enough to play in the movies?

4. What does the narrator dream of in his nap in Chapter 22?

5. Where does the narrator sleep when staying at Cody's house on visits?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who arrives at the cabin in the beginning of Chapter 23?

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

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

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

5. What is Jack's state in Chapter 36? What is taking place at the cabin?

6. What childhood memory returns to Jack in Chapter 22?

7. How does Jack react to Dave's return from fishing and happy demeanor in Chapter 35?

8. What moment of hope does Jack have in Chapter 32?

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

10. What does Jack do once Billie has left for work in Chapter 27? Who does he meet?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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