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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. When Paul cannot concentrate on his book, he goes out because he is ______________.

2. What is Arthur's last name?

3. Stofsky has now decided to believe in _________________.

4. What university did Paul attend?

5. What is the topic of an argument between Paul and Kathryn?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why are Jack Waters' Existential thoughts not taken seriously?

2. What does the aimless behavior of the characters signify in the book?

3. What are some of the ways in which Stofsky searches for meaning in his life?

4. How does Paul's lack of self-awareness drive the attachments he makes in his life?

5. Describe the scene where Stofsky goes to see Waters in his flat and is picked up by the asylum attendants.

6. Why is Pasternak standing in front of Christine's house when Stofsky and Hobbes try to find him in the bars?

7. What is the significance of Paul Hobbes writing a love letter at the beginning of the novel?

8. Why do the characters at the party revel in the excitement of it?

9. Why are Paul and Kathryn at odds about his writing career and her job?

10. How are psychotherapy and writing compared and which seems to help the characters in the book?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe the setting at the beginning of the novel. Does the author paint a complete picture for the reader? What, if anything, is missing?

Essay Topic 2

Explain the concept of loneliness as it exhibits in the story. Which of the characters are lonely? Are they all lonely in some way? Explain the loneliness and the methods and attempts to overcome it.

Essay Topic 3

The author uses some important instances of foreshadowing in the story. Explain what foreshadowing is and cite at least two examples making sure to explain what makes each an example of foreshadowing.

(see the answer keys)

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