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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 is the narrator's direct supervisor?

2. What short article, besides the French article, is the narrator assigned to fact-check?

3. What does the narrator feel is his most shameful addiction?

4. Who is The Druid?

5. What does the narrator see in the window of Saks?

Short Essay Questions

1. Does the narrator feel capable of understand other people's life experiences? Why or why not?

2. What contrast is the author making between the people of New York City?

3. How does the narrator feel after his date with Vicky?

4. How are the narrator and Amanda using each other for escape?

5. What does the narrator hope for as he turns in an article that he knows is unfinished?

6. How does the narrator's obsession with Coma Baby reflect on his own life?

7. How is the mannequin symbolic of Amanda?

8. What does the narrator think is Tad Allagash's mission in life?

9. Why, after all the time that has passed, is the narrator still trying to track Amanda down?

10. Are Vicky and the narrator truly fond of Tad?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Though brothers, the narrator and Michael are very different people. Compare and contrast Michael and the narrator, focusing specifically on their careers and stations in life. Why are they resentful toward one another? Why has Michael come to New York? Why has the narrator stayed away from home?

Essay Topic 2

What is the narrator's lowest point in the novel, the one that drives him to improve? Is it true that one must hit rock bottom in order to bounce back? What is the difference between the narrator's escapades in nightclubs in the beginning of the novel vs. the end of the novel? Why does he keep seemingly reliving the same night over and over again?

Essay Topic 3

Compare and contrast Vicky and Amanda.

1) What are some of Amanda's qualities? How do they mesh with the narrator's when the two first met?

2) What are some of Vicky's qualities? How are they a match or a mismatch for the narrator?

3) Which relationship is more promising for the narrator---a reconciliation with Amanda or new chapter with Vicky? Which woman is more appropriate for him?

(see the answer keys)

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