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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. In the pecking order of Robin's relationships, how does she regard Buddy in her life?

2. The brawl between Pickett and Buddy escalates when Pickett accidentally slices off Buddy's ______.

3. Where does Buddy play "Cakewalking Babies"?

4. Mumford observes that, before his disappearance, Buddy's musical ability was _____.

5. What is the weather like during the brawl?

Short Essay Questions

1. Can Buddy trust people?

2. What is Buddy's relationship with Bellocq like?

3. How do Jaelin and Buddy approach Buddy's affair with Robin similarly?

4. Is Bellocq unstable?

5. Is Buddy helpless? How?

6. How did the fight between Buddy and Pickett start?

7. What is the image of scrambling over barbed wire meant to portray?

8. While photographing prostitutes, how involved is Bellocq in his work?

9. What analogy does Buddy use to describe Webb's intervention?

10. In his description of the fight with Pickett, how does Buddy interrupt himself?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The narrator has an open fascination with Buddy. Discuss the effect the narrator's attitude toward Buddy has on the book.

Essay Topic 2

Buddy is often a victim of his own doing. Discuss Buddy's helplessness. What is the cause of this? What role does it play?

Essay Topic 3

Driving forces in "Coming Through Slaughter" are the ties between Buddy's relationships and mirrored experiences. Discuss what role interconnection plays in the book and how it impacts the overall narrative and what impact it has on our perception.

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