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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. Mary Kathleen calls the men who've helped Starbuck "_____."

2. What does Mary Kathleen not remember?

3. When was the last time Starbuck cried?

4. Who arrives at the end of Chapter 16?

5. Why did Mary Kathleen become a heavy drinker?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Why should Starbuck have gone to the police in Chapter 11?

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

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

6. What does Mary Kathleen personify? What is Vonnegut saying?

7. What is ironic about Mary Kathleen's death?

8. Does Clewes accept Starbuck's apology? What is his response?

9. As far as Starbuck knows, why are he and the other "saints" at Leen's apartment?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

A majority of Starbuck's story in "Jailbird" is reflection on the past and how he came to be as he is in the present. Discuss Starbuck's retrospective point of view with him and his reality.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss how memory affects characters. Include the significance one's memories have on the individual and the individual's actions. How do the memories of one individual affect others?

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?

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