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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. Starbuck realizes that by leaving prison he is rejoining _________.

2. Why was Clewes sent to prison?

3. McCone's father was a ______.

4. How did Starbuck meet Emil Larkin?

5. About children, Ruth prophesied, "If I had one, it would be a _______."

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Is Starbuck's release from prison entering the new or returning to the old?

3. With Sarah, is Starbuck loving or courteous?

4. What ruins Sarah's and Starbuck's date? Why does she insist they leave?

5. Why is Starbuck a socialist?

6. Is an event's existence or its meaning more important to Starbuck? How?

7. Why does the red ribbon on Starbuck's suit cause trouble?

8. Upon being released from prison, why does Starbuck stay at the Hotel Arapahoe?

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

10. What does Starbuck's release from prison mark?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Vonnegut discusses a fan letter in the prologue, which says "love may fail, but courtesy will prevail." Discuss how this works as a theme in the book and its angle on humanity and society in "Jailbird."

Essay Topic 2

Discuss how "The Sermon on the Mount" applies to "Jailbird."

Essay Topic 3

Starbuck, even after spending years in prison, continues to commit crime. Discuss Starbuck's decisions. Why does he do what he does? What does he think will happen?

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