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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. Why is Starbuck arrested in the Epilogue?

2. Whistler appointed himself as ________.

3. Starbuck describes his office in the Nixon White House as a __________ cell.

4. Starbuck interrupts his own memories by saying "________."

5. Why does Leen kiss Starbuck's hand?

Short Essay Questions

1. Does Mary Kathleen believe people are good? Why or why not?

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

3. Why are Starbuck, Clewes, Edel, and Ubriaco "saints" to Mary Kathleen?

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

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

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

7. Why doesn't Mary Kathleen remember the bad things of Starbuck's life?

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

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

10. How is Vonnegut invoking the senses of Starbuck's experience in his writing?

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 what Ruth embodies for Starbuck. How does she affect Starbuck's experiences after her death? What is her overall purpose in "Jailbird"?

Essay Topic 3

Interconnection is a prominent theme of "Jailbird." Discuss how Vonnegut connects characters and elements, what the purpose is, and the statement being made.

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