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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. What is significant about Trout's name?

2. Vonnegut describes Hapgood as a _______ figure.

3. Where does Starbuck's son work?

4. Where were Ruth and Starbuck transferred after their marriage?

5. What did Starbuck become involved with because of Sarah?

Short Essay Questions

1. How is Fender's story of Vicuna a metaphor?

2. Why does Starbuck cry in the cab home?

3. What do we learn about Starbuck by his attitude towards the red ribbon?

4. Is "The Sermon on the Mount" a reasonable defense for Sacco and Vanzetti? Why or why not?

5. How prevalent is "identity" in the Prologue? Why and how is it used?

6. How is "tension" a major theme in the Prologue?

7. What was the nature of Starbuck's relationship with Nixon?

8. How did Starbuck meet his wife, Ruth? Why was the beginning of their relationship rocky?

9. What is being foreshadowed in the Prologue?

10. What does the arrival of the famous prisoner tie together?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Mary Kathleen O'Looney and Mrs. Jack Graham, as the same person, illustrate both the socialist and capitalist. Discuss the dual nature of Mary Kathleen and how she embodies and reflects the tension.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss how Starbuck's narrative voice reflects his mind and the effect on the reader's experience and understanding.

Essay Topic 3

Starbuck discusses he has only loved four women in his life. Those women are Sarah, Mary Kathleen, Ruth, and his mother. Discuss how Starbuck loves. What is his impact on those people, and what is their influence over him?

(see the answer keys)

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