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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 one phrase that "pool-pah" has been translated as in The Books of Bokonon?

2. Through whom does John ascertain the Russians obtained Ice-nine?

3. What is printed on the ribbon of the wreath in Chapter 114?

4. What is the Bokononist ritual that involves touching feet with a person to mingle awareness?

5. What is the company that Angela's husband is President of, according to Newt in Chapter 80?

Short Essay Questions

1. What irony can be seen at the memorial celebration on San Lorenzo?

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

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

4. How does the author characterize Papa Monzano when he is introduced?

5. How is the theme of inequality of wealth demonstrated in Chapter 62?

6. What is the impending celebration for in San Lorenzo when the narrator arrives?

7. How does Mrs. Crosby feel about her circumstances after the destruction of Ice-nine?

8. What is satirical about the "writer's strike" that Philip Castle proposes in Chapter 103?

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

10. Why does Frank Hoenikker solicit John to take the role as President of San Lorenzo?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe and discuss the history of Bokonon. How did Bokonon end up on San Lorenzo? Who was he with when he arrived? How did Bokonon gain control of the island? What did he institute once he gained control?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the genre of satire as it applies to Cat's Cradle. What aspects of the novel are satirical? What aspects of culture, society, etc. are satirized by Vonnegut? What do you think Vonnegut's overall statement is regarding humankind?

Essay Topic 3

What happens to the three vials of Ice-nine that are split up between the Hoenikker children? What are the repercussions of the distribution of these vials? How does this reflect upon the international politics of the 1960s when the novel was published?

(see the answer keys)

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