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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. How does Mr. Youngblood react when Mrs. Youngblood tells him he is acting childishly?

2. How many children does Aunt Hurlecka have?

3. What animal is Uncle most afraid of in the wild?

4. What time does Zuta go to bed at night?

5. According to the narrator, what is the worst type of torture?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Zuta react when Kopyrda sneaks through her bedroom window?

2. What is the residual effects of the battle between Syphus and Kneadus the day after?

3. Why does Joey alter the fruit compote he is served for dessert with the Youngblood family?

4. How does Joey feel about the decorations in Mrs. Youngblood's bedroom?

5. How does the narrator explain his beliefs that all art is an imitation?

6. How does Auntie feel about the budding friendship between Valek and Kneadus?

7. Why does Joey create a peephole between his bedroom and Zuta's bedroom?

8. How does Mrs. Youngblood react when she sees Zuta walking down the street with a boy she doesn't know?

9. What happens when Pimko also arrives outside Zuta's window while Kopyrda is still inside?

10. What happens when the Marquis de Filiberthe joins the brawl at the tennis match?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In the narration of this novel, it becomes increasingly clear to the reader that "reality" is fluid. First, explain what the narrator means by "fluid reality." Who seems to be in charge of this reality and how does this character exert control over the form? Choose at least two examples of scenes from the text that you believe best exemplify and strengthen your argument and describe those scenes in this essay.

Essay Topic 2

When Joey arrives at the school, his schoolmates quickly divide up into two gangs, the lads and the guys. First, explain how the division among the boys came about in the schoolyard. Who is declared the leader of each of the gangs? What characteristics define the boys who are lads and boys who are guys? In what way does the schoolyard division reflect the social divide that is taking place in the town Joey lives in? Be sure to cite examples from the text to strengthen your argument.

Essay Topic 3

In Pimko's school, the best attribute a student can have is immaturity. First, describe why immaturity is such an alluring character trait for the students in Pimko's school. Then, describe how the teachers manipulate the immature students' brains. What commentary is Gombrowicz making about academia in general through the use of his overbearing, opinionated teachers? Choose at least two examples of scenes from the text that you believe best exemplify and strengthen your argument and describe those scenes in this essay.

(see the answer keys)

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