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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 old was Peter when his mother died?

2. Where was Henry Dark born?

3. Which library does Quinn visit at the beginning of chapter 6?

4. Who is Virginia?

5. Why is the topic of children painful for Quinn?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Why is the Hotel Harmony an important location in City of Glass?

3. What happens in the time that passes between Chapters 11 and 12?

4. What is the elder Stillman's reaction to Quinn when they first meet face to face?

5. Why does Virginia fear for Peter's life?

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

7. Why is the year 1960 important in City of Glass?

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

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

10. What does Peter Stillman look like?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Peter Stillman is a broken man. He lives a life that is difficult on a day to day basis. Yet he also possesses the one thing Quinn desires, Virginia Stillman. Write an essay that examines Peter Stillman's character within the context of City of Glass. Is Peter Stillman a tragic character? Is he innocent in his ways, or does he ever have ulterior motives? Does he really believe his father wants to kill him?

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

The Tower of Babel is a symbol that reoccurs many times in City of Glass. The first time it is mentioned is in Stillman's book. Write an essay that explains why the Tower of Babel is significant within the context of the story. How do the Stillman experiments with his son and the Tower of Babel relate? What is the relation between god's language and the Tower of Babel?

(see the answer keys)

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