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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. To what elemental force does Reverend Bacon compare the nascent minority anger in Harlem?

2. What does Abe Weiss forget about Henry Lamb?

3. Which of the following is not one of the partners in the law firm Sherman consults?

4. Who turned Sherman McCoy over to the lawyer, Freddy Button, originally?

5. Which of the following characters is not present in the meeting at the beginning of Chapter 16?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the Mayor's principle fear during his town hall in the Prologue?

2. Describe the speech Lord Buffing makes.

3. How does Al Vogel suggest that Fallow present the Henry Lamb story?

4. In Chapter 13, what are Sherman's thoughts about telling Judy the truth?

5. What are Kramer's principle concerns about the Henry Lamb case?

6. Describe Maria Ruskin.

7. Why is the Herbert 92X trial becoming overblown at the Bronx courthouse?

8. What is Abe Weiss perpetually searching for and why?

9. Why do the McCoys rent a car to go to the Bavardages party?

10. How does Judy explain Sherman's work to Campbell?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The Mayor of New York is the only recurring character in the novel without a name. Write an essay about the mayor as a symbol for the political, legal, and business system of New York. What does the mayor fear? What does he consider his failures and successes? How does he cope with forces he does not understand and cannot face?

Essay Topic 2

The legal system in Bonfire of the Vanities is presented as a largely toothless organism, constantly used as a tool in the political maneuverings of outside interests. Using the Sherman McCoy case as a frame, write en essay about the weakness of the criminal court. Who is in control of the proceedings? Is justice served at the end? What does the courtroom riot signify about Wolfe's opinion of the legal system?

Essay Topic 3

The world of Bonfire of the Vanities does not often reward the good and honest, but several characters are pragmatic and ultimately honest. Write an essay about these characters. What do they understand about the system that allows them to function in it without losing their souls? What do they achieve in their work? Are they ultimately rewarded?

Part 1) Detectives Martin and Goldberg

Part 2) Bernie Fitzgibbon

Part 3) Tommy Killian

(see the answer keys)

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