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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. Winnie's boyfriend is a ___________________.

2. How long had Jack Waters been in the insane asylum?

3. What does Albert give Gene as collateral for a $10 loan?

4. Why does Hart need to borrow money from Paul?

5. Where does Gene decide to store his writing for safekeeping?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does the author use foreshadowing in Agatson's invitation to his "last birthday" party?

2. After the exhaustion of Hart's wildness, what does Paul begin to think about regarding another way of finding meaning in his life?

3. What is significant about the questions asked by the characters?

4. Why doesn't Paul mail the letters he writes to Liza?

5. Why is Agatson's party the worst one in the entire novel?

6. How does Agatson's death demonstrate the futility of the lives of all the characters?

7. What is the metaphor of both Hart and Pasternak wanting a road trip at this point in time?

8. How do Winnie and Little Rock disrupt the dynamic of the group?

9. How does Hart's past behavior foreshadow trouble for the group?

10. Why are the other characters so fascinated by the arrival of Hart Kennedy?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

Create a brief character study of Paul Hobbes. What does he look like? What are his positive personality traits? What are some of his negative characteristics? What are his hopes and fears? What motivates him during his lifetime?

Essay Topic 3

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

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