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. What is the capital of San Lorenzo?

2. Julian Castle claims in Chapter 104 that "The people of San Lorenzo are only interested in three things." What are these three things?

3. Who gave the family dog Ice-nine, according to Newt in Chapter 108?

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

5. What does Frank say is the one thing that is sacred to Bokononists in Chapter 94?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Philip Castle's implication when he asks John if he sells medicine in Chapter 70?

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

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

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

5. How is Franklin Hoenikker described by the narrator?

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

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

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

9. What is ironic about the cleaning process in Chapter 111?

10. What considerations does John have regarding Bokononism as he writes his presidential acceptance speech in Chapter 101?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Discuss the character of John as the protagonist of Cat's Cradle. What attributes does John exhibit that make him a protagonist? Who or what is the antagonist of the narrative? What heroic attributes and tragic flaws are represented by John?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss Vonnegut's use of irony in Cat's Cradle. What are examples of verbal, dramatic, and situational irony in the novel? What purpose does each example serve? How is irony related to satire?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 913 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample