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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. Why did Jane Cox's relatives question her marriage to Vonnegut?

2. Why does the Spanish Civil War give Hemingway material rather than World War I?

3. What does Vonnegut assert is often Hemingway's male characters' greatest reward?

4. Although Jill attends private school and vacations with the rich as a child, how does she provide for herself as a grown woman?

5. What does Vonnegut say happens to American literary history, that "generations" of writers are separated by less than twenty years?

Short Essay Questions

1. How has Hemingway grown dated?

2. A unicorn, it is said, will lay its head in a maiden's lap if she sits in a forest clearing. Why is Vonnegut's sister, Alice, the maiden to Father's unicorn?

3. What is a possible reason for Jane's English relatives not wanting her to marry a German?

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

5. What are two things Vonnegut does not like about President Bush?

6. Of what significant Indianapolis building is Father the founder? Why is he bitter over the additions made on this building?

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

8. What historical information does Vonnegut give about requiem masses?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The Women's Liberation Movement coincides with Jill Krementz's blossoming into womanhood.

Part 1) How does Jill act like a woman involved in this movement?

Part 2) What would you ignore or go without to have more freedoms?

Part 3) Do you believe Jill is brave for the way she lives her life? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Vonnegut says young writers should moralize in a reader-friendly way.

Part 1) Why do you think he says this?

Part 2) Do you agree? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

The First Amendment allows Americans the freedom of speech and the press.

Part 1) Although Vonnegut supports this, why does this freedom upset him? Give examples from the text.

Part 2) What part of the First Amendment does the NRA use to support its cause? Do you agree with the way the NRA interprets this freedom?

Part 3) Write a letter to the NRA expressing your opinion about its interpretation of the First Amendment.

(see the answer keys)

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