View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What do dreams not recognize, according to Herzog?

2. How does Herzog feel about Taube?

3. What does June want to see first at the aquarium?

4. Who watches Herzog go to Ramona's?

5. Who is George Hoberly?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Social roles play a part in character development. The novel takes place during the 1960s. What are the expected, typical social roles of men and women during this time? Choose three of the main characters (Herzog, Daisy, Madeleine, Valentine, Ramona), and explain how each either fits or goes against the typical social roles of the time. How do these roles impact the novel? Use specific examples from the text.

Essay Topic 2

The desire for change is one of the themes in Saul Bellow's novel. Herzog's letters show a desire for change both in society and in himself. Compare Herzog in the beginning, the middle or climax, and the end of the novel. How does Herzog change throughout the story? How does society change around him? Do Herzog and society change at all or do they remain the same? Use specific examples from the text in the response.

Essay Topic 3

Research the author, Saul Bellow. How does Bellow's life mirror that of his character Herzog? How are Bellow and Herzog different? Why do you think Bellow pulled from his life experiences to create this character? Is his technique effective or not? Use specific examples both from the text and the author's life in the response.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 286 words (approx. 1 page at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample