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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. Paul tells Kathryn that it is _________________ for her to be attracted to someone else.

2. What does Paul give to Gene one night when they are at a bar?

3. What does Kathryn later tell Paul when she calls him from work?

4. Waters raves that time is a/an __________________.

5. The book addresses a group of young people commonly called ________________.

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. How are Paul and Kathryn at odds regarding their different emotional needs?

5. What is an example of how the post-war search for meaning is taking on toll on people?

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

7. What is the real reason for Paul's irritation toward Pasternak, who is sleeping late in Paul's apartment?

8. What does the conversation regarding infidelity reveal about Paul and Kathryn's marriage?

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

10. How does Pasternak show his immaturity regarding Georgia and his still living with his parents?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The theme of the search for meaning will be an important one in the novel. How does the author begin to build this theme? Give examples of the search for meaning throughout the book.

Essay Topic 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

The author begins the story in the present day and tells the story through some flashbacks. Why did he choose to tell his story this way? In what way is a flashback technique more interesting for a reader? In what ways is it more complicated?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,045 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample