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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. In the second transcript from the stewardess, who does Harry learn that she begun an affair with and now that person sends her lots of roses?

2. Who does the stewardess break up with in Part V, Chapter twenty, after he tries to introduce a third woman into their sexual relationship?

3. Who arranges a raid on Cuba, although the men never reach their target?

4. Who does Kittredge say has always hung like a ghost over her and Hugh's marriage and their sex life?

5. Who is the former head of the Cuban Senate that Harry meets with in Part V, Chapter six?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who are the famous men that Modene has affairs with?

2. What does Chevi reveal about Libertad la Lengua?

3. How do Hugh and Kittredge help Harry with the Boris situation?

4. How is Harry's recording of the invasion of The Bay of Pigs as a journal rather than letters to Kittredge important as a real breakthrough for them?

5. How does Harry's rise to his father's side mirror the country's expectation that Bobby Kennedy will somehow help to fill the place his brother left?

6. How does multiple names serve as one of the larger symbols in "Harlot's Ghost"?

7. What are two of the dual personalities that appear in Part IV, Chapters 25 - 30?

8. How is Harry's regressing also symbolized as a blow to America's ego in the early 1960's after the failure at the Bay of Pigs?

9. How does the faulty wiretap scenario in Part V, Chapters 21 - 30 illustrate the problems inherent in serving different interests?

10. Who does Harry report his information to, and how is he serving several masters?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In Part IV, Chapters 14 - 19, of "Harlot's Ghost" many of the characters find themselves at the tipping point, their security being breached, and everybody is reacting secretively. Explore the theme of traditional values breaking apart in the novel, "Harlot's Ghost". What is revealed about Dorothy Hunt, Harvey's wife? What happens to Sally, Harry's mistress at this point in the story? How is Harry's affair with Sally mirrored with the very public affair between the Soviets, who do not realize they are being recorded? How does Nancy posing as Harry's fiancee underlie the strange world that are coming from?

Essay Topic 2

Analyze Harry's early years, and explore the affect his father and godfather have had on his upbringing. What kind of child was he? What weaknesses did he have? How did he overcome these weaknesses? Were Harry's parents supportive of him and loving? Why was Harry always desperate to prove himself?

Essay Topic 3

In the process of creating a story, the author's choices in style meld to become the writer's voice, his or her own unique style. Examine Mailer's use of style in "Harlot's Ghost" and how it affects the overall story. What choices does Mailer use in his writing that shows his unique style? Does Mailer use tactical choices in grammar or word usage? How can sentence and paragraph length affect the overall story? What kind of imagery does Mailer use?

(see the answer keys)

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