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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. How does Quinn dress when he goes to meet the mystery caller for the first time?

2. Where does Quinn go to eat at the beginning of Chapter 5?

3. How many different groups of people were said to have worked on the Tower of Babel?

4. Who is William Wilson?

5. At what time does the mystery caller call Quinn at the end of Chapter 1?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Peter wish to be "real" and not a puppet boy?

2. Why does Quinn pretend to be Henry Dark when he meets Stillman the second time?

3. What does the elder Stillman look like when he emerges from his hotel room for the first time in Chapter 8?

4. For what reason or reasons does Quinn go to the library at the beginning of Chapter 6?

5. List three reasons that Quinn frequently eats at Heights Luncheonette.

6. What is Quinn's reaction to losing track of Stillman at the end of Chapter 10?

7. What does Virginia Stillman look like?

8. Why does Quinn throw his clothes down the air shaft at the Stillman apartment?

9. What happens when Quinn returns to his apartment in Chapter 12?

10. Why is Peter Stillman's mother not present in City of Glass?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Another recurring theme in City of Glass is that of multiple identities. Quinn has three identities other than his own: Max Work, William Wilson, and Paul Auster. Write an essay that explores the idea of multiple identities within the context of the plot. In what way is Quinn able to use these different identities to his advantage? When is he able to use them? Are other characters aware of these identities?

Essay Topic 2

Quinn only has one true friend represented in City of Glass, the counterman at Heights Luncheonette. He has been coming to Heights for years, and still does not know the name of the counterman. The two men talk about baseball every time they see each other. Write an essay that explores Quinn's friendship with the counterman. How does Quinn act differently while in the presence of his friend? What aspects of his personality change? Why has Quinn never bothered to find out the name of the counterman?

Essay Topic 3

Peter and Virginia Stillman share an unusual marriage. They clearly care for each other even though they do not share a conventional love. Write an essay that explores the bond between Peter and Virginia Stillman. What about their relationship is the most unusual for a married couple? Was Virginia being selfless when she gave up her prior life to marry Peter? Does Peter understand the sacrifices Virginia made to be with him? Does he appreciate her?

(see the answer keys)

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