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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 finds Mary Kathleen in a _______.

2. Why did Mary Kathleen become a heavy drinker?

3. Where does Starbuck find clarinet parts?

4. When does Leen begin to believe Starbuck is Mrs. Graham in disguise?

5. Starbuck realizes the bag woman is " the ______ of Mary Kathleen O'Looney!"

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does the harp salesman want to call the police on Starbuck?

2. How does Leen mistake Starbuck for Mrs. Graham?

3. What is rain supposed to symbolize in the Epilogue?

4. How does Starbuck view his role in the universe?

5. Why are Starbuck's reunions with Mary Kathleen and Clewes a climax of "Jailbird"?

6. Were Mary Kathleen's dying wishes granted? How so?

7. To Mary Kathleen, why does Starbuck have a good heart?

8. Why does Starbuck cry when he sees Mary Kathleen?

9. What did Starbuck's life with Ruth embody?

10. Why does Starbuck face more jail time after Mary Kathleen's death?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the tool of RAMJAC and how this prominent corporation reflects Vonnegut's ideas about capitalism.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the symbolism and statements made about socialism and capitalism in terms of humanity in "Jailbird."

Essay Topic 3

Starbuck's soul is a frequent topic of discussion. Does Starbuck have a soul? If he does, what is its condition? As Mary Kathleen dies, she recognizes his lack of a soul and offers him some consolation. Discuss Starbuck's soul and morality in the context of himself and his surroundings.

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