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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. On what famous thoroughfare in New York is the funeral home where Arthur Ruskin's funeral is held?

2. Who is the first person that Sherman admits his upcoming arrest to?

3. Which of these adjectives does Roland Auburn use to describe Maria in the City Light coverage in Chapter 23?

4. Why does Sherman decide against telling Lopwitz about his infidelity?

5. Where does Fallow dine with Arthur Ruskin?

Short Essay Questions

1. Which of Killian's promises are broken during his arrest?

2. Describe Lopwitz's reaction to the news of Sherman's arrest and what it means to Sherman.

3. What high-minded reasoning does Weiss give for his prosecution of Sherman McCoy in Chapter 23?

4. What does Fallow see at the funeral?

5. What aspects of Sherman McCoy's life are disrupted by the Henry Lamb case?

6. In what way does Shelly Thomas disagree with Kramer about the McCoy case?

7. How does Roland Auburn's story differ from the actual event?

8. What does Edward Fiske accuse Reverend Bacon of in Chapter 25?

9. How is Sherman's experience at the di Ducci event different from his experience at the Bavardages'?

10. What promise does Tommy Killian make to Sherman regarding his condo?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Using the high society parties in Bonfire of the Vanities, write an essay about Wolfe's attitude toward the ceremonies of the upper-crust of New York society. What is expected and decried within these functions? Use specific characters (Judy McCoy, Bunning) and their interactions with Sherman McCoy to argue your point.

Essay Topic 2

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

Essay Topic 3

As life becomes more complicated and precarious for Sherman McCoy, fewer and fewer supportive people in his life offer him assistance. This is a shame, because those who are not connected to the case are the most sensible and honest around him, his family. Write an essay about the three truth-tellers in his family. How does Sherman lose each of them? How do each of them serve in some way as his conscience?

Part 1) Judy McCoy

Part 2) Sherman's Father

Part 3) Campbell McCoy

(see the answer keys)

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