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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. Where does Jack take Simon the day after they go to the racetrack?

2. What gift does Raphael give Jack that surprises him?

3. What does Charlie ask Jack to do as he is getting ready to leave Washington?

4. What is Jack supposed to buy in the dream he has in the forest?

5. What makes Jack decide to head to Mexico?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Jack dislike the use of form in poetry?

2. What does Raphael think about Mexico?

3. Why is Jack so void of emotion as he leaves the cabin where he lived in all summer?

4. How does Jack describe the trumpet player in the Cellar?

5. What does Jack do every night at 8:00 while he is working in Washington?

6. What does Jack say he could do if he were made Sultan?

7. What happens while Cody is introducing Jack to his new girl?

8. What is so important to Jack about the date of August 22nd?

9. What is Gaines's philosophy about artists and junkies?

10. Why is Jack not affected by the news stories going on around him when he is in Washington?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Jack showed devotion to a number of different people and organizations. Who were these people and organizations, and how did Jack's devotion to them alter the course of the plot?

Essay Topic 2

Fear is a common theme in this book that is presented a number of times by multiple characters. What are some of these instances, and how does fear affect the characters in the book?

Essay Topic 3

What role does symbolism play in the story and where does it appear? How is the plot altered by the presence of these symbols?

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