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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 was the result of the Cuyahoga Massacre?

2. Why was Clewes sent to prison?

3. From whom does Vonnegut receive a letter?

4. What is the last, ironic word of Chapter 6?

5. When Starbuck met Ruth, what was she?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Why is Clewes not the prominent political figure he was on his way to becoming?

3. How is "a rich man's trash can" a symbol for Starbuck?

4. What is being foreshadowed in the Prologue?

5. How did Starbuck come to be a millionaire? Why isn't he anymore?

6. Why did Starbuck agree to be McCone's protégé?

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

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

9. After receiving the fan letter, why did Vonnegut feel he didn't need to write this or other books?

10. Why does Starbuck cry in the cab home?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss how "Jailbird" comments on the falsehood of personalities and why people paint themselves as they do.

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

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.

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