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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 term used for a Bokononist poem?

2. What position does John discover Frank Hoenikker holds in San Lorenzo in Chapter 37?

3. About how old is Miguel "Papa" Monzano described as being in Chapter 37?

4. What is the title of Chapter 48?

5. What is the title of the book that the narrator describes writing in Chapter 1?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Newt Hoenikker describe his interaction with his father on the day the atomic bomb was dropped over Hiroshima?

2. How is Dr. Felix Hoenikker's personality described in Cat's Cradle?

3. What is significant about the metaphor of cannonballs in the narrative?

4. What are the Bokononist warnings that the narrator relates to the reader in Chapter 4?

5. What statement do you think that Vonnegut is making in regards to politics and science in Cat's Cradle?

6. What information does Newt relate about his siblings in his letter in Chapter 5?

7. How is the theory of "Dynamic Tension" described in Chapter 47?

8. What is significant about the stone angel monument at the sales room in Ilium?

9. What does John discover about San Lorenzo from the advertising supplement in the newspaper in Chapter 37?

10. What is the significance of the literary/religious allusion in the opening of Chapter 1?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the theme of mankind's greed and destructiveness in Cat's Cradle. How does Vonnegut develop this theme through character, setting, symbolism, and imagery? How is the theme developed through the action of the plot? What outcome does he present in this regard?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the plot structure of Cat's Cradle. Where in the story do the exposition and rising action occur? What comprises the climax of the story? How would you describe the falling action and denouement of the narrative?

Essay Topic 3

Describe and analyze the character of Papa Monzano in the novel. How did Papa Monzano come to power? For how long has he been in power? What characteristics does Papa Monzano exhibit as a character and as a leader?

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This section contains 966 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample