View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. How much money did Dr. Felix Hoenikker earn for each patent his work led to at General Forge and Foundry?

2. Chapter 101 is titled, "Like My Predecessors, I" do what?

3. What does the U.S. Ambassador cast into the sea during the celebration in Chapter 103?

4. What word means to acquiesce to the seeming demands of one's "vin-dit"?

5. What is the title of Chapter 71?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why was Bokononism initially banned? What impact did the ban have on Bokonon?

2. What does the narrator comment regarding old men and wars in the novel?

3. What irony and satire can be seen in the "calypsos" of The Books of Bokonon?

4. What is ironic about Ambassador Minton's statement regarding the 100 martyrs?

5. How is Franklin Hoenikker described by the narrator?

6. What is remarked about history from Bokonon's writings in Chapter 113? What does this statement mean?

7. What symbolism can be seen in the story of the shipwreck on San Lorenzo that is related by Philip Castle?

8. What is done with Dr. Von Koenigswald's body in Chapter 113? Why?

9. How do the Hoenikker children describe the passing of the dog as a result of Ice-nine?

10. What statement do you think that Kurt Vonnegut is making through the character of Mona in the novel?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe and discuss the narrative style of Cat's Cradle. From whose perspective is the narrative related? Why do you think the author chose to relate the narrative in this style? How would the narrative differ if it were related from a different narrative perspective?

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 Dr. Felix Hoenikker. What role did Hoenikker play in the development of the atomic bomb? Where did he work at the time? How are his relationships with family and coworkers described in the narrative?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 910 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample