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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. Does Quinn find himself attracted to Virginia when they first meet?

2. Why does Quinn become irritated with the young woman reading at the station?

3. Which emotion does Quinn most strongly experience when he first sees Stillman's train?

4. What does Quinn do while he waits to meet Peter Stillman the first time?

5. Who is Michael?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Quinn feel emotional pain when he sees the picture of New England at the train station?

2. Why is May 19th a significant date for Quinn?

3. How does Paul Auster treat Quinn when they first meet?

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

5. What is the narrator's opinion of Quinn's fate at the end of City of Glass?

6. Why does Quinn withdraw most of the money from his bank account?

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

8. What does Daniel Auster look like?

9. Who was John Milton?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Paul Auster is an important secondary character in City of Glass. Incidentally he is also the author of the book. Write an essay that explores the reasons behind why the author named a character after himself. Does Paul Auster the author acknowledge that the character is supposed to represent him? Why is it significant that Quinn takes on the identity of Paul Auster? What kind of disposition does Paul Auster have within the context of the story?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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