View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What group has Stronson under investigation according to The Tribune?

2. Who greets Humboldt and Renata at the nursing home door?

3. Why is Senor Biferno angry with Renata?

4. After his surgery, what does Julius want Charlie to do for up to $8,000?

5. Who comes to tell Charlie that Stronson has dropped the charges against him?

Short Essay Questions

1. What are Charlie's and Julius's feelings about death?

2. Why does Charlie believe that he cannot ask Renata to accompany him and the two older men from the nursing home out to lunch?

3. According to Humboldt's letter to Charlie, why does Charlie figure so prominently in his obsessions?

4. What is the state of Charlie's life and state of mind in Section 16 as he lives in Madrid?

5. During Charlie's visit with Naomi, why does Naomi believe the two of them would never have made a lasting relationship together?

6. What does Renata think will happen to Charlie if he goes to Texas to see Julius?

7. What thoughts does Charlie have during the intermission of a Christmas Pageant he is attending with his children?

8. How does Charlie explain his relationship with Roger to people abroad?

9. What happens to Corcoran's outlook when he repeats his romantic trip with his wife?

10. As Charlie thinks about oblivion and death as being all we have to expect out of this world, what options present themselves to him in order to meet this end?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Charlie's car is nearly destroyed, and he is furious with Cantabile. Why does Charlie relent and decide to give Cantabile the $450 the man says Charlie owes him when Charlie was told that Cantabile and his cousin cheated at poker? Delve into Charlie's personality and those around him.

Essay Topic 2

What messages does the character in Section 7, Gaylord Koffritz, symbolize through small comedic scenarios?

Essay Topic 3

Charlie feels he must leave New York and forgo travel to Europe because his brother, Julius, is about to undergo open-heart surgery in Texas. Renata bases her refusal to accompany Charlie to Texas on the notion that she would appear as a gold-digging bimbo if she went in any role but wife.

Why is Charlie reluctant to see Renata go off to Milan on her own? What does he fear will happen?

Even though Charlie may love Renata for many reasons beyond the shallow ones, he is clearly not ready to make the matrimonial commitment. Why not?

Can Charlie have his cake with Renata and eat it too? Does he even want to?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,177 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample