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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does Vonnegut say happens to American literary history, that "generations" of writers are separated by less than twenty years?
(a) There are more writers.
(b) There are more people being born.
(c) They have been so foreshortened.
(d) They are very young.

2. Why does the general at the ROTC inspection write down Vonnegut's name, which seems to lead to Vonnegut never rising above Private First Class?
(a) Vonnegut argues with the general.
(b) The general thinks Vonnegut is not a good soldier.
(c) Vonnegut arrives late to the inspection.
(d) Vonnegut plays a practical joke.

3. The gestation period of 'possums is twelve days and Indian elephants twenty-two months. What does the author believe is the gestation period for American liberty?
(a) 20 years.
(b) 10 years.
(c) 100 years.
(d) 200 years.

4. Who is the Cody, Wyoming, artist who is America's foremost adventurer in the Abstract Expressionist movement?
(a) Jackson Pollock.
(b) George Segal.
(c) Mary Cassatt.
(d) Keith Haring.

5. Why is Vonnegut good with guns?
(a) He has watched many war movies.
(b) He is part of the NRA.
(c) He is a Private First Class.
(d) His dad taught him how to shoot a gun.

Short Answer Questions

1. Unlike many short-lived 20th-century art movements, what movement has more enthusiasts than ever?

2. Vonnegut Sr. is denied his dreams by what event?

3. In his letter to the future, what does Vonnegut say today's rulers are doing to Nature's stern but reasonable surrender terms?

4. After high school what does Jill make Manhattan and the world?

5. What happens to Algren that keeps Vonnegut from asking if Rushdie may join them at his party?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the Reverend's opinion on banning objectionable books?

2. What makes Alice a lazy artist?

3. Although Jill Krementz attends private schools and vacations with the rich as a child, how does she support herself as an adult?

4. How does Vonnegut's requiem mass differ from Andrew Lloyd Webber's?

5. How are the Reverend and the Attorney General's Commission on Pornography different?

6. How is Father's reaction to praise for his artwork different from his daughter's?

7. Name one similarity and one difference between Jane and Vonnegut.

8. What is Vonnegut's opinion of the American Academy and Institute of Arts and Letters? Support your answer.

9. The 20th century is the first to get reliable information about the human condition. Why does Vonnegut believe that this could be a bad thing?

10. Why does Father not enjoy working as an architect?

(see the answer keys)

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