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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. What is the name of Oedipa's lawyer?

2. Despite a lack of specific facts, what does Mike Fallopian say took place in 1864?

3. Who saves Oedipa, Metzger and their friends after they are stranded on the island in the middle of Fangoso Lagoons?

4. In the car after Oedipa and Metzger leave the theater, who do they hear on KCUF radio?

5. What does Metzger ask Oedipa to bet on in Chapter 2?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the metaphor Oedipa is referring to about The Trystero and the costumes of historical figures?

2. Why can't Mucho Maas drink honey in his coffee?

3. What does Oedipa do in the bathroom of the Echo Courts motel room prior to playing a game with Metzger?

4. In his phone call to Oedipa a year ago, what did Pierce Inverarity say about Mucho?

5. What is suggested by the name of Oedipa's psychiatrist, Dr. Hilarius?

6. What is the larger setting of The Crying of Lot 49?

7. As Oedipa seeks a motel to escape the illusion of speed and freedom that driving provides, to what does she compare the road?

8. Why does the moment Oedipa sees San Narciso from a hilltop have a religious quality to her?

9. What do the Paranoids set outside the door of Oedipa's room?

10. What does Oedipa mean in Chapter 1 when she tells Dr. Hilarius that she is already having hallucinations?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Give a definition of allegory and then discuss the allegorical aspects of the setting and characters of The Crying of Lot 49.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss how the meaninglessness of modern life is a central thematic strand to the narrative of The Crying of Lot 49.

Essay Topic 3

What is the myth of Echo and Narcissus? How is it represented in the setting, characters and themes of The Crying of Lot 49?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 650 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample