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 does the mystery caller's voice sound like to Quinn?

2. What year was Henry Dark born?

3. At what time in the morning does Quinn agree to meet the mystery caller?

4. What is Quinn doing when the mystery caller calls for the first time?

5. Who was Henry Dark?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Virginia feel the need to justify her sexual habits to Quinn?

2. What does Stillman's notebook look like?

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

4. Why does Quinn publish his books under the name William Wilson?

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

6. Why does Quinn admire Max Work?

7. Why does Quinn choose a red notebook to buy while at Heights Luncheonette?

8. Why is Quinn well informed on the topic of wild children and isolation?

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

10. Why is Stillman amused by Quinn's name?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

Money and wealth mean surprisingly little to Quinn and the characters of City of Glass. Quinn lives on very little, while the Stillmans live comfortably in excess. Write an essay that explores these two different views within the context of the story. Why is Quinn comfortable with living on a limited budget? How are the Stillmans able to live in excess? Why does Quinn ask for money to work on the Stillman case when he has no intention of spending it?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 816 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample